Rory McIlroy secured consecutive PGA Tour victories with a remarkable performance at the Wells Fargo Championship, where he outplayed Xander Schauffele with a dazzling display on the back-nine at Quail Hollow.
Starting the final round just one stroke behind Schauffele, the world number two surged ahead with an impressive inward 32, ultimately finishing with a six-under 65 to clinch the title at 17 under par. This marked McIlroy’s fourth triumph at Quail Hollow, setting the stage perfectly for the upcoming US PGA Championship at Valhalla, where he last claimed a major victory in 2014.
Reflecting on his win, McIlroy expressed his confidence, stating, “Coming into this week, at a golf course I am comfortable with, my golf swing feels more comfortable than it has done.” With his recent successes and familiarity with the course, McIlroy feels optimistic about his chances in the next major tournament.
Despite a valiant effort, Schauffele finished five strokes behind in second place after a final round of 71, while An Byeong-hun of South Korea secured third position at nine under par following a solid 66.
McIlroy kicked off his final round with a birdie on the first hole, but a bogey on the fourth temporarily halted his momentum. However, he quickly regained his stride, carding birdies on the eighth and ninth holes before a spectacular eagle at the 10th catapulted him into the lead.
As Schauffele faltered, McIlroy capitalized on the opportunity, extending his lead with birdies on the 11th and 13th holes. A crucial eagle from a greenside bunker on the 15th effectively sealed the victory for McIlroy, eliminating any chance of a late surge from his competitors.
Despite a minor hiccup on the final hole, McIlroy’s dominant performance showcased his prowess and served as a confidence booster heading into the next major tournament. With his game in top form, McIlroy is poised to make a strong challenge for another major title.