It was a week with the lowest of low’s and the highest of high’s for Rory McIlroy. After beginning his week at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club by announcing his split with fiance, Caroline Wozniacki, he found solace in his first love – the sport of golf. Golf is already a tough sport with a clear mind, but it is even harder with off-course distractions, especially at a course where he has traditionally struggled. Rory would handle it beautifully though, shooting rounds of 68-71-69-66 for a tournament total of 14-under par to win by one shot.
Rory entered the final round trailing by seven strokes, but with a back nine 5-under 32 to close the tournament, he would win by one. This win actually marks the first time Rory has won on European soil and first win in 18 months on the European Tour – after the tournament concluded, he was as honest as he has always been, saying that he was happy to win, but definitely having mixed emotions with all that’s transpired. After having some many “back door Top 10’s,” he would finally be the one lifting the trophy. His game has been sharp and it was only a matter of time before it happened – hopefully he builds on this strong play and momentum and we see him winning a Major championship this year as well! We’ll see Rory next week at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.
It was a pretty tight leaderboard though – Luke Donald was 1 yard short from landing on the green on the 72nd hole for an eagle putt. He would have needed to eagle the last hole to force a playoff with Rory, but instead, would par the hole and finish T3 at 12-under par. Defending champion Matteo Manassero would shoot 80-71 and did not make the cut at 7-over par.
Source: European Tour
