If there was a signature shot for McIlroy at Kiawah Island, it might have been Saturday when his tee shot lodged into a tree on the 3rd hole. He only found it with help from a TV crew, took his penalty shot and fired a wedge into six feet to save par. He was on his way, and he never let up.
By winning the PGA Championship, McIlroy is halfway home to the career Grand Slam.
"It was a great round of golf. I'm speechless," said the reigning Hong Kong Open champion after hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy, the heaviest of the four majors. "It's just been incredible. I had a good feeling about it at the start. I never imagined to do this."
Winning the final major the year ends what had been a tumultuous season for McIlroy. Despite winning the Honda Classic in early March, he went into a tail spin by missing four cuts over five tournaments, as questions swirled that his romance with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki was hurting his game.
"He's very good. We all know the talent he has," Woods said. "He went through a little spell this year, and I think that was good for him. We all go through those spells in our careers. He's got all the talent in the world to do what he's doing. And this is the way that Rory can play. When he gets it going, it's pretty impressive to watch."
Ian Poulter, the 2010 Hong Kong Open champion, put up the stiffest challenge, though not for long. Poulter, who started the final round six shots behind, made six birdies through seven holes to get within two shots. He made three straight bogeys on the back nine and had to settle for a 69. He tied for third, along with fellow Englishman Justin Rose, defending champion Keegan Bradley and Carl Pettersson.
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