Rory McIlroy hit a superb final round of 62 to retain his RBC Canadian Open title – before taking aim at rebel series chief Greg Norman.
McIlroy, who started the day in a share of the lead with Tony Finau, hit 10 birdies in his eight-under-par round to finish two shots clear of the American on 19 under and land his 21st PGA Tour crown.
That is one more than Norman, the CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, whose maiden event finished on Saturday.
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Last week Norman criticised McIlroy for coming out against LIV Golf saying that he has been "brainwashed" by "golf's ruling class" in order to protect the PGA.
“This is a day I’ll remember for a long, long time,” McIlroy told CBS after his victory in Canada.
“Twenty first PGA Tour win, one more than someone else, that gave me a little extra incentive today and happy to get it done.”
Finau closed with a 64, as did Justin Thomas, who was third on 15 under, while Justin Rose hit the best round of the day, a 10-under 60 earning him a share of fourth place, a shot further back.
On a day when scoring was low across the star-studded final group of McIlroy, Thomas Tony Finau, he produced a round of 62 (-8) to finish up on -19 for the tournament.
Things had begun to look a little dicey on the 15th and 16th when Thomas tied with him temporarily.
But McIlroy steadied himself and came up with a gorgeous approach shot from the first cut on 17 to set himself up for another birdie while Thomas’ game wilted over the final two holes and he was overtaken for second by Finau.
It was very striking how loud the galleries were as they took to smacking the hoardings in a manner akin to an ice hockey game prior to being shushed by officials - dressed as NHL referees.
It was also very noticeable just how widespread their support was for McIlroy despite there being two A-listers also in the running for the tournament.
A few ‘Ole, Ole, Ole’ chants even broke out as they finished up their rounds on 18.
This win at St. George’s will now ramp up the hype machine regarding McIlroy’s chances at next week’s US Open.
In his post-round interview he summed up how he’s gotten his game back in top shape this year.
He said: “I think after Covid and everything I needed a complete reset. I sort of re-dedicated myself to the game a little bit and realised what makes me happy.
“And this makes me happy. So I’ve just put the work in. I’ve got a great team around me and they’re behind me 100 per cent so that makes it easier for me to just go and do things like I did today.”
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