Rory McIlroy suffers final round collapse misses out on world No 1

Rory McIlroy’s hopes of reclaiming the world No. 1 spot were dashed as American competitor Scottie Scheffler secured a commanding victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. While McIlroy endured a forgettable final round, Scheffler showcased impeccable putting skills to clinch his first PGA Tour trophy since the 2023 Players Championship.

Starting the day tied for the lead with Shane Lowry at nine under, Scheffler, 27, delivered a stellar performance, carding a six-under 66 in the final round to seal a five-shot win at 15-under par over Wyndham Clark. His victory not only earned him the prestigious title but also a handsome $4 million payout, adding to his successful season, which already boasted four top-10 finishes, including a T-3 at the WM Phoenix Open and a T-5 at the Sentry.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, the former world No. 1, who clinched the Arnold Palmer Invitational title in 2018 and finished as a runner-up last year, struggled to find his rhythm on the final day. Despite a promising surge on Saturday, where McIlroy impressed with a sensational drive on the 10th hole, he faltered in the last round, finishing at one over and slipping to joint 21st place overall.

McIlroy’s woes began early on Sunday with a missed green at the third hole, resulting in a bogey. A frustrating double-bogey on the par-five fourth further dented his chances of mounting a comeback. His round deteriorated rapidly, and by the sixth hole, he found himself four over par, plummeting down the leaderboard.

Reflecting on his performance and the state of the PGA Tour, McIlroy highlighted the need for a more cut-throat approach to enhance competitiveness within the sport.

In a separate event, Matteo Manassero celebrated a remarkable victory at the Jonsson Workwear Open, marking his first DP World Tour win in over a decade. The Italian golfer, who had struggled with form and lost his tour card in 2018, staged a stunning comeback, finishing three shots ahead of England’s Jordan Smith with a final-round score of 66. Manassero’s triumph, which included a remarkable string of birdies on the last four holes, reaffirmed his place among golf’s elite, capping off what he described as the best day of his life.