McIlroy wins WGC Match Play

European Tour

Rory McIlory comfortably defeated Gary Woodland in the final of WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman took advantage of the Americans early mistakes, grabbing the lead on the fourth hole with a par putt after Woodland missed the fairway.

McIlroy then rolled in three birdies that his opponent could not match. While Woodland would get a couple holes back on the back nine after the four-time Major champion carded two bogeys, McIlroy landed the killer blow with another win on the 14th.

Two holes later, Woodland would concede a 4&2 defeat, meaning McIlroy had won an impressive seven matches over four days in the new match play format.

The victory sees McIlroy join Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods with at least ten PGA Tour victories at age 25 or younger.

“Every time I have a win, I keep hearing those guys’ names come up,” quipped McIlroy, who turns 26 today.

“It’s great to be mentioned with the likes of Tiger and Jack, the two greatest players that I think have every played this game. I’m on my journey. I’ll see where I get to.”

Woodland lamented his missed birdie putt on the 13th, which would have put him just one down with five to play.

“My putt drops on 13 and it’s a different ball game,” said the 30-year-old.

“But I missed that one. And he was like a shark. Smelled blood, and it was game over quickly.”

Meanwhile, Jim Furyk defeated England’s Danny Willet 3&2 to earn third place, continuing his run of good form since the RCB Heritage.

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