Rory McIlroy Reclaims Number 1 with Victory at Bridgestone
by Maura Hutchinson
The 25-year is proving he’s back in fine form, claiming his latest victory just two weeks after winning the Open Championship.
“I played another really solid round of golf and obviously really pleased to get my first World Golf Championship so soon after winning the Open,” McIlroy told PGA Tour Radio’s Fred Albers.
Much like the final day at Royal Liverpool, Sunday was once again a showdown between McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. With Garcia entering the fourth round 3-strokes ahead, it looked as though the Spaniard might just come out on top this time.
But McIlroy’s intense driving ability combined with his incredible opening of three birdies in a row meant Garcia’s lead quickly disappeared.
In the end, the day belonged to McIlroy, with the Nike player finishing the final round with an impressive 66, 15-under total, 2-strokes ahead of Garcia.
Another added bonus for McIlroy came when he learned he had reclaimed World Number 1, a position he last held in March 2013. With Adam Scott failing to finish in the top 5 yesterday, McIlroy replaces the Australian this week in the top spot.
The Northern Irishman is now looking firmly ahead to the next challenge, the season’s final major taking place this week at Valhalla Golf Club.
McIlroy is hoping to maintain the tremendous driving ability he’s shown recently in an effort to tackle the PGA Championship in his bid to make it three-in-a-row come Sunday.
“When I drive it like that, I have a pretty good chance to win most weeks,” McIlroy said. “It’s the foundation of my game. Hopefully, I’m going into Valhalla in good form and try to get three in a row.”