Last year Rory McIlroy found himself in the final round of the FedExCup playing beside Tiger Woods. He didn’t enjoy it much, having a miserable day while a resurgent Woods delivered a performance the world was waiting for.
A year later, Woods wasn’t even in the field, but McIlroy once again stated his case for being the best player in the world. McIlroy, who started in 5th-place heading into the Tour Championship in Atlanta, finished at 18-under par, bettering Xander Schauffele by four shots.
“It was pretty cool. I didn’t enjoy the walk last year like everyone else did,” McIlroy said of playing alongside Woods in 2018. “Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today, he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today. To play like that beside Brooks, and to win the FedExCup … it is awesome. It is amazing how different things can be in a year.”
McIlroy becomes a repeat winner of the FedExCup, having won the playoff in 2016 as well. The Irish golfer, who won the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton earlier this year, received US$15-million for winning the FedExCup playoff, which was abridged into three tournaments this year instead of the usual four. The win marks the end of the 2018-19 PGA Tour season.
McIlroy said his goal was to win the championship in straight strokes. The final round was handicapped, with top players in the FedExCup being given a score under par before the tournament began. McIlroy started the week 5-under par, but shot 13-under for the tournament.
“My goal was to shoot the lowest score of the week,” he said. “And with the birdie on the last, I think I accomplished that. It looked like it was a three-horse race between Xander, Brooks and I … I was able to separate myself. Such a cool way to end what for me has been a great season.”
As for the year, one in which many thought McIlroy would standout in a major championship, the Irish star claimed it was still a success.
“I’ve given myself so many chances,” he said. “To win three times is awesome, but I felt like I could have won more.”
Only one Canadian—Listowel, Ont.’s Corey Conners—made it to the Tour Championship. That alone was a huge accomplishment for Conners, who started the year lacking full status on the PGA Tour, but managed a win and exceptional play along the way. Conners made almost $3-million on the year, and recorded a win and four Top 10 finishes.
Rory McIlroy What’s In The Bag
Driver: TaylorMade M5 9.0°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade M6 15.0°; M5 19.0°
Irons: TaylorMade P750 4 iron; P730 5-PW
Wedges: TaylorMade MG wedges 52°, 56° and 60°
Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Copper
Ball: TaylorMade TP5 (#22)