McIlroy wins first PGA Tour title after stunning 62

Irish youngster secures Quail Hollow  win after posting new course record

Rory McIlroy shot a course record 62 to win the Quail Hollow Championship – his first PGA Tour title.

The Northern Irishman, who turns 21 this week, carded an eagle and eight birdies to secure his second professional title, following his win in the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy, who began the day four shots off the lead, finished four shots ahead of runner-up Phil Mickelson to become the youngest winner on the tour since Tiger Woods in 1996.

“I’m delighted – I don’t think I’ve ever played a better round in my life,” he said afterwards.

“I’m just so excited. I got off to a pretty slow start this week and had to fight to make the cut and the weekend was just very, very special.

“I suppose I just got in the zone. I didn’t realise I was going eight, nine, ten-under-par. I just knew I’d got my nose in front. I was just trying to stay there.

“Ever since I was ten or 11 I wanted to be a professional golfer and it’s been a crazy ride to this point.

“I’m going to have a bit of a party on Tuesday night down in Sawgrass. If I was back home and had a win like this I’d be having a good one tonight.”

McIlroy’s victory, and the nature of it in particular, drew widespread acclaim from his fellow pros.

Masters champion Mickelson hailed the youngster as an “amazing talent” and said: “To win at 20 is incredible. He’s some kind of player.”

Padraig Harrington added: “”There’s an awful lot of pressure on him. When he plays in Europe he’s a big star and when you’re not winning, you’re not delivering, and it becomes a burden. It’s amazing the difference when you get a win.

“He will be a lot more comfortable with who he is, a lot more patient.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered