The Legend Continues

Rory McIlroy ended the summer in style by capturing his fourth major championship with a gutsy come-from-behind performance at Valhalla

Henrik Stenson again came close to claiming his maiden major title

This later concession seemed at best to bemuse Mickelson and Fowler who in ideal circumstances could have forced McIlroy’s hand to play more aggressively had they managed to eagle the last to force a tie.

As it was, both players made gallant but unsuccessful bids for the tie and McIlroy was able to play safely with a greenside explosion and a carefully two-putt for a 16-under total, one ahead of Mickelson, with Fowler and Stenson two shots back.

"I'd never dreamed I'd have a summer like this," McIlroy said after hoisting his second Wanamaker Trophy. "This was different than my previous major wins, I showed a lot of guts to get this one done."

Fowler’s magnificent season in the majors continued without being able to actually break through. He became the first player in a year to finish in the top-five of every major without lifting a trophy, and his disappointment at the result is further testament to his growing stature in the game.

"This is the first one that hurts," Fowler said. "Obviously, I did some great playing this year. My performance in the majors is something I can look back on and be proud of."

Mickelson’s wretched 2014 almost turned around in one fell swoop but there was a silver lining in running so close to McIlroy via automatically qualifying for his 10th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September.

"It was a hard fought day." Mickelson said, “I’m disappointed in the outcome. I thought that had I been able to finish those last five or six holes strong, it could have totally flipped the way I look at this year.”

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