ATLANTA — Rory McIlroyDespite being the strongest voice for PGA Tour in a turbulent year of change, he was the last to speak with his clubs on Sunday when he rallied from six shots behind to win Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup for third time.
McIlroy won $18million, bringing his total PGA Tour earnings to $26 million. He won the Masters with a 4-under 65 to close the tournament. Scottie SchefflerOnly one birdie was made by, who only managed to score a 73.
Scheffler wanted to end the best year of golf with the FedEx Cup title. Scheffler was hoping to cap off the best year in golf with the FedEx Cup title. Instead, he tied a PGA Tour Record for losing the largest 54 hole lead. That was the last time he did that. Dustin Johnson2017 HSBC Champions
Sungjae ImAfter a double bogey on 14th, Scheffler fell back and managed a 66 to tie for 2nd.
McIlroy described the final round as a spectacle not only because of the pro McIlroy crowd who chanted his names along the closing holes.
He stated, Two of worlds best players going head to head on the best tour.
McIlroy had to rely on the No. Scheffler, the No. 1 seed, began with a 2-shot lead. He never trailed until hole 70. Scheffler birdied four of the six holes Sunday morning to win the third round and take a 6-shot lead. However, he lost it in the first seven holes.
It was a thrilling finish, with East Lake turning on 2 shots.
McIlroy putt a 30-foot birdie to tie for first on the par-3 hole 15. McIlroy flew the green 20 yards before his pitch started to run fast. His pitch hit the pin 7 feet away and went off the front.
He saved par. Scheffler hit a bunker shot to just within 10 feet, but missed, making him behind for the first week. Scheffler misread a 10-foot birdie opportunity on the 17th to tie the game. The Tour Championship was tied with $18 million at the line.
Schefflers 4-iron, which he used on the par-5 18,th, sailed short and left and into a bunker. He blasted out across the green. McIlroy sank left against the grandstand and took a breather before he made a par on the green.
Scheffler and Im won $5.75 millions.
The money certainly didnt creep in my mind. Scheffler said that Scheffler wanted to win a season-long title. I had a great year and I wanted it to end with a win here. Unfortunately, I was not able to do that.
McIlroy won the FedEx Cup in 2016 in a playoff. In 2019, McIlroy won again the FedEx Cup, the first year with a staggered beginning. This was the best of all, as it came after a year when the PGA Tour was in a terrible battle for players with Saudi-funded LIV Golf.
McIlroy was the one who has shown fierce loyalty to PGA Tour over the last few years and who joined. Tiger WoodsLast week, I was a leader in a pivotal players-only meeting that resulted in significant changes.
I believe in the game golf. I believe in this particular tour. McIlroy stated that he believes in the players on the tour during the trophy presentation. Its one of the best places in the world to golf, bar none. Ive played all around.
Even at the Tour Championship which is a celebration of the years end, there was talk of more departures over the weekend. Three weeks ago, The Daily Telegraph reported that British Open champion was being named. Cameron SmithWas leaving for LIV Golf. Sources confirmed that he would be joining ESPN.
Harold Varner III, Marc LeishmanAnd Anirban LahiriSources told ESPN that they are also expected to leave. Cameron TringaleOn Twitter, he announced his decision.
Yet to be determined Joaquin NiemannHis manager stated that the Chilean player would discuss the options with his dad later Sunday.
Everyone on tour has had a lot to deal with. Even LIV-goers have had to deal. McIlroy said that its been a very turbulent era in our game. This is the best place to play golf in the world. Its the most competitive. It has the best players. It has the best fields. Its got the deepest fields.
The Tour Championship, which appeared to be a runaway, turned into a dynamic event with all the speculation. Scheffler was responsible for most of this, and he looked great when he returned on Sunday morning after a two hour break before the final round.
He couldn’t get anything to work and allowed four others to enter the game. Scheffler missed nine of the 18 greens in regulation.
McIlroy grabbed the opportunity early, making three straight birdies, including the last one at 30 feet on No. 7 that brought cheers from corporate hospitality tents all along the course.
Scheffler came back and showed incredible grit, without McIlroy having to play. He made three great par saves in the back nine and was the first to take the lead. McIlroy missed McIlroys 14th green with a very short iron from the fairway, making bogey.
McIlroy was the No.1 seed in the tournament, despite being 6 shots behind. 7 seed. Scheffler started with Schefflers opening tee shot, which was out of bounds. The tours biggest voice was awarded the biggest trophy at the end.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.