Wells Fargo Championship: Rory McIlroy storms to five-shot victory ...

12 May 2024

Independent.ie

Final leaderboard

Rory McIlroy: -17 (65)
Xander Schauffele: -12 (71)
Byeong Hun An: -9 (66)
Jason Day: -6 (70)
Sungjae Im: -6 (73)

Read more about Rory McIlroy's latest victory at Quail Hollow:

"That was a big moment on seven. I three-putted and Xander made an eagle. Xander was inside me on eight and I really knew I needed to hole that putt just to try to keep up with him.

"He misses his [putt] and I birdied nine, and then I just went on a run that, for whatever reason, I'm able to go on at this golf course. Quail Hollow and Charlotte in general has been really good to me over my career.

"This is another great day to add to all of the rest of them."

Watch McIlroy reacting to his latest PGA Tour win:

Rory McIlroy wins the Wells Fargo Championship

Coming off the back of his Zurich Classic victory alongside Shane Lowry, the world number two has been exceptional at Quail Hollow this week.

This is his fourth victory at this course and he blew Xander Schauffele away today, winning by five shots in the end.

It all bodes well heading for the the PGA Championship at Valhalla next week.

Schauffele putts for par to card a 12 under par 71 and he will wonder what could have been.

Oh dear, McIlroy has found the water on the 18th.

He smiles but you can see it has annoyed him just a little.

The crowds at Quail Hollow give him a rousing reception as he heads towards the back of the green.

Both golfers hit solid tee shots on the 18th and, with the pressure off, McIlroy can soak up the applause.

After a lovely approach shot, Schauffele misses a routine putt and he hasn't been up to scratch on the greens today.

McIlroy holes for par and he will get to enjoy this final hole.

McIlroy isn't far away with his birdie putt, and he taps in for par.

Schauffele bogeys and he is only three shots ahead of third-placed Byeong Hun An, who is in the clubhouse.

Rory leads by seven.

There are some audible groans from the crowd as Schauffele's approach ends up in the bunker.

McIlroy, meanwhile, is striding down the fairway with a big grin on his face after his second shot on the 16th.

Eagle has landed

That is incredible! Rory chips in from the bunker for an eagle on the 15th.

He has played some ridiculous golf today, particularly on the back nine.

Schauffele is trying to hang in there and putts for birdie, but he's six shots back now and this is well and truly over as a contest.

McIlroy has one hand on the trophy

Having done so well over the weekend, Schauffele continues to have issues. He misses a birdie putt and will have to take a par.

Meanwhile, it's another birdie for McIlroy, who is playing magnificently.

He has opened up a five-shot advantage.

Rory opens up four-shot advantage

McIlroy has victory in his sights, and with Schauffele struggling at the moment, he sinks a birdie putt to take a commanding lead with five holes remaining.

Things aren't going well at all for Xander, who can only manage a bogey.

What a turnaround.

Two-shot lead for McIlroy

Schauffele has cut a frustrated figure after putting for bogey to drop a shot on the 12th.

After a terrific chip, McIlroy makes par and he's now got a two-shot cushion.

Brilliant from former Wells Fargo winner Jason Day, who is in a race for third:

McIlroy has overhit his approach shot on the par-4 12th, and watches his ball roll off the back of the green.

Schauffele makes an error and he has left himself with a lot to do.

Séamus Power has finished one under par for the day and one under in total.

He is tied for 19th as things stand.

Schauffele's birdie putt from distance goes beyond the hole.

Rory then takes his time over a putt for par and he's happy to see it drop in.