McIlroy storms to Bay Hill win with blistering 64

Rory McIlroy secured his first win in 18 months on Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after a stunning final round 64.
The Ulsterman hit five birdies in his last six holes to pull away from the pack and finish on 18 under par, three strokes clear of runner up Bryson Dechambeau, to end a title drought that stretched back to the 2016 Tour Championship.
The best shots from @McIlroyRory's victorious final round at Bay Hill.
👆▶️🎥 pic.twitter.com/QTgt7VqICI
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 19, 2018
McIlroy started the day two shots off overnight leader Henrik Stenson, but had pulled level with the Swede after three birdies in four holes starting from hole six.
Then after saving par at the long 12th, the four-time major champion went on incredible run, holing from 15 feet at the 13th before draining a 20 footer at the next to grab a one-shot lead.
With the momentum firmly in his favour, McIlroy then doubled his advantage with a superb chip-in at the 15th. A tap-in birdie on the 16th and then a snaking 25 footer at the last completed an amazing finish and left him well clear of the pack.
After his incredible finish, @McIlroyRory recaps his huge win @APInv. https://t.co/5y0bFNO0Ps
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 18, 2018
Bryson DeChambeau came in second at 15-under par after carding a 68. An eagle at the 16th meant he was still in contention, but a par at the 17th left him needing an improbable eagle at the last.
Henrik Stenson, the overnight leader, came in fourth after a 71, one shot behind Justin Rose, who shot an impressive five-birdie 67.
Also impressive was Tiger Woods, who hit six birdies and was well in contention until the 16th, when a wayward drive went out of bounds and derailed his hopes of an emotional comeback win.
“I played a perfect round of golf,” McIlroy said afterwards. “It was awesome to feel the buzz of being somewhere around the lead going into the back nine and reeling off those four birdies in a row.
“I’ve missed it, I really have missed it, and to play the sort of golf that I played today under that pressure, I’m really proud of myself and just so happy to win.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.