At Glance
– ‣ Rory McIlroy secured a five-shot victory with a -17 total, marking his fourth win at Quail Hollow despite a double bogey on the last hole.
– ‣ McIlroy’s performance was highlighted by two eagles on the back nine, significantly contributing to his lead over Xander Schauffele.
– ‣ The victory in Charlotte adds another winning moment to McIlroy’s career, showcasing his exceptional skill and affinity for the Quail Hollow course.
Another winning moment in Charlotte for @McIlroyRory 👏
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR)
Oh boy, what a day it’s been. McIlroy just signed off with a -6 round. That’s a whopping -17 total. And guess what? He clinched a five-shot win. Despite a double bogey at the last, it’s clear nothing could dim his shine today. He’s now a four-time winner at Quail Hollow. Caught fire, he did, with two eagles that just left Xander Schauffele in the dust. Schauffele? Ended up level par, -12 in total. Tough break.
Then there was that moment McIlroy strutted up the last with a seven-shot lead. The man was on fire, -8 under going up the last. He had Schauffele scrambling after a blitz that included two eagles on the back nine. Sure, McIlroy’s approach shot flew past the flag into the creek at the 18th, leading to a double bogey six. But, victory was already in his grasp.
McIlroy’s brilliance didn’t stop there. He found the 17th green with another jaw-dropping shot. Seven shots clear and playing some mind-blowing golf. His approach to the par 3 17th over water from 216 yards ended up 16 feet away. Another birdie chance just slid by, but man, does he love this course.
On the 16th green in two, McIlroy was simply unstoppable. Schauffele crumbled under the pressure of McIlroy’s back nine onslaught. Extending his lead with a par as Schauffele struggled in the sand. It was a sight to behold.
McIlroy’s second eagle of the round was nothing short of amazing. Holed out from the sand at the par 5 15th. That’s Rory at his dazzling best, folks. He even threw his ball into the crowd after building a six-shot lead. Pure class.
Both McIlroy and Schauffele drove up close to the 14th green. Schauffele’s putting from in front of the green led to a par. His game just hasn’t been the same for two years, and it showed. McIlroy, on the other hand, splashed out of the sand up close to set up another birdie. The man was on a roll.
McIlroy’s tee shot on the par 3 13th was brilliant. A 9 iron from 176 yards to 14 feet as he looked to seal his fourth win at Quail Hollow. Meanwhile, Schauffele missed the green long and struggled for par.
Big drives on the 12th by the leaders, but Schauffele couldn’t capitalize. McIlroy’s 332-yard drive was a thing of beauty. Though he ended up in the rough, Schauffele’s wedge approach and subsequent three-putt from 47 feet for bogey was a letdown. McIlroy made par, maintaining his lead.
McIlroy faced a battle to save par on the 11th after driving into the sand. Both he and Schauffele had their struggles, but McIlroy’s great save kept him in front.
Then, McIlroy turned the tables with an eagle, putting him ahead after a stunning charge. Schauffele’s tame putt for birdie couldn’t match McIlroy’s momentum. Birdie-birdie-eagle, and McIlroy took the solo lead.
Schauffele’s incredible bunker shot on the 10th was something to behold. But McIlroy wasn’t far behind, setting up another birdie chance. These two were in a league of their own.
Finding the ninth fairway, both Schauffele and McIlroy were setting the stage for a showdown. McIlroy’s back-to-back birdies tied the lead at the turn. The tension was palpable.
Schauffele’s stunning eagle followed by a superb drive on the eighth showed he wasn’t going down without a fight. McIlroy, ever the competitor, was right there with him. The battle was on.
Both on the par 5 seventh in two, Schauffele and McIlroy were showcasing their skills. Schauffele’s eagle putt was a game-changer, putting him two shots ahead. The crowd was going wild.
McIlroy missed the par 3 sixth green, giving Schauffele a glimmer of hope. But Schauffele’s rare three-putt dropped him a shot. The ups and downs were relentless.
Back on the fairway on the fifth, McIlroy was looking to recover from a bogey on the fourth. It was still a two-horse race, with both players missing chances for birdie.
The final round was proving tough for everyone. Only 14 of the 68 players who made the cut were under par. The course was showing its teeth.
McIlroy’s miss on the par 3 fourth was a rare slip-up. Schauffele made par, while McIlroy dropped a shot. The competition was heating up.
Finding the sand off the tee on the third, McIlroy was under pressure. But a fantastic par save kept him in the game. Schauffele found the green but couldn’t gain an advantage.
McIlroy’s short iron in at the second showed his determination. Both players ended up with pars, but the intensity was building.
Rory’s monster drive on the opening hole set the tone. Schauffele was left playing catch-up from the start. McIlroy’s birdie tied the lead, sending a clear message.
Ben Kohles, meanwhile, wasn’t in contention this weekend. But his first birdie of the day on the 14th showed he still had spirit. A moment of levity in a tense competition.
Im and Straka were underway, trying to catch the leaders. Both found the fairway off the first, setting up birdie chances. The field was wide open.
Max Homa’s incredible start with an eagle on the first was the talk of the tournament. A 213-yard hole-out eagle set the stage for an unforgettable final round.
And there you have it, folks. A day of stunning performances, incredible shots, and unforgettable moments. McIlroy’s victory was a testament to his skill and determination. What a tournament it’s been.
