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Rory McIlroy has ended a turbulent year on a positive note by winning the Australian Open.

The 24-year-old has endured a largely forgettable 2013, which has been underpinned by a loss of form on the golf course and legal wranglings off it.

However, the former world No.1 and two-time major winner avoided going the entire calendar year without a victory by holding off home favourite Adam Scott at Royal Sydney.

Four shots behind the Masters champion going into the final round, McIlroy soon clawed back the deficit, helped in no small part by an eagle at the seventh.

Scott, seeking to complete a fourth win in as many weeks and looking to become only the second player ever to win the Australian ‘Triple Crown’ of PGA, Open and Masters victories in the same year, held a one-shot advantage going down the last.

“I wanted to get a win and finally I’ve been able to get one.” – Rory McIlroy

However, when he bogeyed the 18th, that left the door ajar for Rory McIlroy to swoop in and take the title, which he duly did, converting a ten-foot putt for his fourth birdie of the day and a round of 66.

Afterwards, he admitted it was a relief to finally get back into the winner’s circle.

“I wanted to get a win and finally I’ve been able to get one,” said Rory McIlroy, who has won at least once every year since 2009.

“I’ve been building confidence for a few weeks now. When I went to Asia, I started to play really well. I’ve worked hard, I’ve put the hours in and I’ve practised hard and finally it’s turned around for me.”

Scott, meanwhile, struggled to hide his disappointment after coming so close to emulating Robert Allenby’s 2005 achievement of winning the ‘Triple Crown’.

“I’m gutted,” said the 33-year-old. “I just misjudged on the last and a player as good as Rory is going to take that opportunity.”

 

Rory McIlroy: What’s in store in 2014?

Having finally ended his winless drought at the Australian Open, what do you think lies in store for Rory McIlroy in 2014? A return to world No.1? More major glory? Or do you think he will struggle again like he did in 2013? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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