Rory McIlroy clinched his fourth Wells Fargo Championship title in a commanding fashion, setting a new record at Quail Hollow. Overcoming a two-stroke deficit, McIlroy finished five shots ahead of Xander Schauffele.
With a closing round of 6-under 65, McIlroy showcased his dominance, playing the final 11 holes at 6 under, despite a double bogey on the 18th. His total score of 17-under 267 marked his second consecutive PGA Tour victory, following his recent win at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans alongside Shane Lowry.
The victory propels McIlroy with momentum as he heads to the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, the site of his last major triumph a decade ago.
McIlroy’s stellar performance included key birdies and a remarkable 33-foot eagle putt on the 10th hole, propelling him into the lead. Despite Schauffele’s efforts, McIlroy maintained his advantage, securing the win with birdies on crucial holes.
While narrowly missing his own course and tournament records, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging the support from the crowd and his family, notably thanking his mother, Rosie, on Mother’s Day.
Schauffele, finishing second for the second consecutive year, expressed admiration for McIlroy’s skill and length off the tee, emphasizing the Northern Irishman’s prowess on the course.
Byeong Hun An secured third place at 9 under, with Jason Day and Sungjae Im tying for fourth at 6 under. Max Homa delivered a remarkable eagle from the rough on the first hole but couldn’t maintain momentum, finishing in ninth place with a round of 72.
McIlroy’s victory adds to his impressive track record at Quail Hollow, solidifying his status as one of the top performers at the venue. His success underscores his proficiency on the course, particularly with his putting, as he needed only 25 putts, including several from considerable distances.
The win extends McIlroy’s career tally to 26 PGA Tour titles and marks his 10th top-10 finish at the Wells Fargo Championship, the most at any PGA Tour stop in his career.
Despite Schauffele’s strong showing, his winless streak extends to 39 tournaments, with his last victory dating back to 2022. Nonetheless, he remains a formidable contender on the PGA Tour, with numerous top-10 finishes since his last win.
McIlroy’s triumph sets a compelling narrative as the PGA Championship approaches, with fans eagerly anticipating his performance at Valhalla Golf Club.
