Rory McIlroy took the opportunity to land a brutal swipe at LIV Golf boss Greg Norman, after securing his 21st PGA Tour title at the Canadian Open on Sunday. McIlroy saw off the likes of Justin Thomas and Tony Finau, following an outstanding eight-under-par 62 on the final day.
The Northern Irishman played out a fourth round battle with recent PGA Champion Thomas, with the pair both tied on -17 for the tournament with two holes to play, after the American brought himself back into it after six-straight birdies earlier in the round.
It was McIlroy who would prevail though, as the world No. 3 went birdie-birdie over the final two holes whilst Thomas carded two frustrating bogeys at 17 and 18.
McIlroy’s victory came after a monumental week for golf, following the inaugural event of the contentious Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, led by former world No. 1 Norman. Ironically the win in Canada was the Northern Irishman’s 21st PGA Tour, one more than LIV Golf’s Norman.
And after his triumph, McIlroy had time for a cheeky swipe at the Australian following Sunday’s final round. He told CBS : “Yeah, it’s incredible. Playing with Tony and JT today, two of the top players in the world, and just the way we played today.
"I think the worst score was six-under par. This is a day I’ll remember for a long, long time. My 21st PGA Tour win - one more than someone else [Norman] - that gave me a little extra incentive today and I’m happy to get that.”
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McIlroy’s triumph at St George’s was not just a win for the Northern Irishman, but one for the whole PGA Tour itself, as the Canadian event showcased exactly why it was the sport’s leading circuit.
Three of the world’s top 10 players and five from inside the top 20 were all battling out at the top of the leaderboard, and came away with a top 10 finish at the Canadian Open.
In contrast the open LIV Series event in St Albans saw just one man inside the world top 20 secure a top 10 finish in Dustin Johnson, as the 117th ranked player in the world Charl Schwartzel took the £3.8 million winning prize, followed by world No. 128 and fellow South American Hennie Du Plessis, who collected £2.7 million for a second place finish.
McIlroy was not the only man to take a dig at the Saudi-backed circuit and Norman following a successful week in Canada, as his Sunday rival Thomas also looked to land a blow on Twitter. The American posted: “What a week. That’s why we play, and that’s why we play on the @PGATOUR.
“Got to battle against one of the best today and got out duelled, but not without a fight. Congrats to @McIlroyRory on his 21st (wink emoji) win and an amazing finish. Can’t wait for @usopengolf!”
