McIlroy - the legend grows

BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2012 Deutsche Bank Championship | Wrap | 04 Sep 2012

Rory McIlroy has won the Deutsche Bank Championship by a narrow one shot over third round leader Louis Oosthuizen, the Northern Irishman coming from three behind the South African in today’s final round to win his 5th PGA Tour title and take the lead in the race for the FedEx Cup trophy.

McIlroy established a two shot lead over Oosthuizen through eight holes of the final round after taking the lead when Oosthuizen double bogeyed the 5th hole.

The tournament then became a race in three with McIlroy and Oosthuizen battling it out and Tiger Woods also within striking distance if able to mount a late challenge. For Woods it was not to be however his final hole birdie getting him within two of the winner without really threatening for the title.

Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson finished in a share of 4th position four shots behind Woods.

“Yeah, obviously delighted to get my fifth win on the PGA TOUR, third win this year, second win in the last three events,” said McIlroy. "Today was great, going out with a three shot deficit, I just wanted to get off to a good solid start and maybe put Louis under a little bit of pressure. I was able to do that playing the first holes 3 under, and we both made a couple mistakes on the fifth hole, but he made a 6 to my 5, so I was able to take advantage of that a little bit.

“I think the good start set me up for a solid back nine. There was a couple of shots on the back nine I well, I won’t take back now, but if I could have then, I would have.

“But still managed to do enough, and as I said, delighted to get this win, delighted to go to No.1 in the FedExCup, sets me up for a great next couple weeks. So overall just very pleased.”

“I’ve learned how to handle winning big events and carrying myself forward and not dwelling on what’s happened, just moving forward, just trying to win another golf tournament, trying to put myself in position,” said McIlroy when asked what this win means going forward.

“There’s a time and a place to celebrate and to enjoy what you’ve done, and going into the Playoffs isn’t it. You have to just focus on the week ahead. I’ll get to Crooked Stick tomorrow and start to prepare for that tournament.

“This run that we’re on, we just have to keep thinking about the next week, and once Ryder Cup is over, for sure I’ll think back and I’ll celebrate and I’ll enjoy the great golf that I’ve played over the last few weeks.”

As has become customary of late McIlroy was asked about the presence of Caroline Wozniacki. Wozniacki was bundled out of the US Open in the first round.

“Yeah, the two PGA events Caroline has been two this year, I’ve won both of them, so need to get her to more (smiling). Yeah, it’s nice. It’s great to feel like you’re in a relaxed environment, especially off the golf course.

“I don’t really have a problem getting away or not thinking about it, but to have someone with you that you can completely just clear your mind of what’s going on here, just completely focus on something else, it’s a nice thing to have, a nice distraction.”

Adam Scott led the Australians after again performing well at the TPC Boston. Scott’s last round of 66 was the equal best of the day and saw him finish in a share of 7th.

John Senden was on track to join Scott but a double bogey at his final hole cost him dearly. He finished alone in 12th position.

Only five Australians remain in the race for FedEx Cup. Adam Scott (25th) John Senden (26th), Greg Chalmers (36th) Marc Leishman (37th) and Geoff Ogilvy 53rd remain in the running after Aaron Baddeley and Jason Day were knocked out this week.

The Playoffs head to Indiana and the Crooked Stick layout for the BMW Championship.

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