Rory McIlroy claimed back-to-back PGA Tour titles as he overhauled Xander Schauffele with a stunning nine-hole display at the Wells Fargo Championship.
The world number one, who competed in the Zurich Classic alongside Shane Lowry two weeks ago, started the final round behind Schauffele but came home with an inward 32 to win in style.
A six-under 65 saw McIlroy finish 17 under as he won Quail Hollow for the fourth time and set up next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla – the site of his last major victory in 2014.
McIlroy said: “Going into this week, on the golf course I’m comfortable with, my golf swing feels a lot more comfortable than I’ve ever done. Going to the venue next week where I won, it feels like the stars are aligning a bit. But I have a lot of golf to play and a lot of top players to try to beat. I’m going into the next big stage of the year feeling really good about myself.”
Schauffele finished five behind second after carding a 71, while South Korea’s An Byeong-hun was third at nine under after a 66.
McIlroy birdied the first after a nice drive to within five feet. However, he returned the shot at the fourth after failing to get up and down the greenside bunker.
Schauffele’s run to par ended with a putt-putt bogey at the sixth but he bounced back in style at the next, chipping his way to the par five to 12 feet and reeling in an eagle.
IT RETURNS AT EIGHT
McIlroy found himself two shots back when he made one hole after three putting. However, the Northern Irishman returned with birdies at eight and nine before producing an eagle of his own from 34 feet on 10.
Schauffele was only one under par on the same three-hole stretch to leave the four-time major winner in front.
McIlroy found himself two up when Schauffele birdied the 12th and increased the pressure on his partner with a birdie from 13 feet on the next short putt.
Schauffele failed to save par after hitting his tee shot badly behind the green on the 13th to leave McIlroy clear.
McIlroy got up and down the greenside bunker for another advantage at the 14th, Schauffele missing five feet to leave his opponent clear.
An eagle from the greenside on the 15th ended any hopes of McIlroy losing his nerve and the 35-year-old split the 16th and 17th before two-putting the last shot after hitting his way into the water.
McIlroy now heads to the PGA Championship at Valhalla to see if he can continue his hot form and end a decade of major disappointment.
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