Rory McIlroy will need to treat the famed Old Course with a little more respect heading into next year’s British Open defence after letting slip victory in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews.
The World No. 1 began the final round with a double bogey after his second shot spun back into the Swilcan Burn guarding the opening hole and then more than four hours later, and some 20 yards away, McIlroy putted into the notorious ‘Road Hole’ bunker from where he took bogey.
It saw McIlroy post a four under par 68 but fall one shot short of forcing a play-off with England’s Oliver Wilson and ranked 791 places higher than a very tired looking four-time Major winner.
Rory McIlroy needing to show the Old Course a little more respect after doubling the first and dropping a shot at 17. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
The 34-year old Wilson had committed to play in a Challenge Tour event in Rome carrying a first prize of Euro 30,000 but accepted an invitation to tee up in Scotland where he was presented with winner’s cheque for Euro 625,787.
And Wilson revealed the inspiration afforded him by McIlroy who had spoken to him on the 10th hole and during the heat of the final round battle.
“I have always got on well with Rory but after he had walked up to me on the 10th today I have even more respect for him,” said Wilson.
“It was a little chat and he told me to stick in there, keep playing great and try and win the tournament and this is coming from a guy who himself was looking to win the event, so he’s just a world class golfer and a world class person.”
And while Wilson ended a run of nine second place finishes to capture a first Tour title in his 228th event McIlroy now has 10 bridesmaid roles in Europe alone including second in his opening event this year in Abu Dhabi.
“While the 17th hole was a turning point I feel like I cost myself the tournament today was probably in the space of about 20 yards at the front of the green at the first and over at the road hill bunker,” said McIlroy.
“They’re not too far from each other and they were the two things, the only mistakes that I made all day.
“I still love the golf course and I feel like I play well here every time I tee it up, and I’m looking forward to coming back here in July and defending The Open.”
However McIlroy’s main priority is a well-earned rest after his 11th tournament in 13 weeks since July’s Scottish Open
Shane Lowry picked up two place on the Race to Dubai moving to 12th after his round of 67 to share sixth place on 14-under par.
The Clara golfer, who arrived in Scotland 55th on the World Rankings, should pick up two places on the World Rankings when adjusted this morning in his quest to earn a 2015 Masters invitation.
Lowry now heads to the Algarve and this week’s Portugal Masters accompanied by Padraig Harrington who shot a 71 to share 18th spot on 10-under.
However victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who shot 70 for a seven under par tally, is uncertain if he will contest this week’s Tour event despite being present on the Algarve tomorrow (TUES) for the official opening at Quinta da Largo of his new academy and course redesign.
