McGinley Warmly Praises McIlroy For Stance Over Mexican Ruling (See Video)

7 years ago by Comments Off on McGinley Warmly Praises McIlroy For Stance Over Mexican Ruling (See Video)

Rory McIlroy did not secure a winning Mexican take-out but he’s been warmly praised by Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host, Paul McGinley for his actions early in the final round of the WGC – Mexico Championship in Mexico City.

Dustin Johnson shut the victory door on McIlroy posting a final round 66 to win by five shots with a 21-under par tally and become the first to win twice this season.

McIlroy, who saw his chance for a first win in 50-weeks die at the sixth hole, eventually signed for a 67 to finish second at a distant 16-under par.

‘DJ’ not only captured a sixth WGC title and his second Mexican crown in three years but he joins a group of now 30 headed by Sam Snead to capture 20 or more PGA Tour titles.

McIlroy headed into the final round of the year’s first big showdown trailing four shots behind Johnson.

The four-time Major winner quickly moved to within two shots of Johnson when the American bogeyed the third and just moments after McIlroy had birdied the second.

Johnson was then involved in a bizarre incident right of the fifth where his ball came to rest right behind a tree.  After much deliberation, and given his right foot would be resting on a cart path, Johnson was given ‘free’ relief and a now a clear sight of the green in saving par.

McIlroy, who had also been right, missed the green with his second ahead of taking a bogey ‘5’ to now fall five adrift of Johnson.

Unbelievably, McIlroy’s tee shot at the next, the par-5 sixth, also came to rest slap behind a tree and with McIlroy seemingly also confident to also get a ‘free’ drop.

The European Tour’s Mike Stewart, and who had officiated on Johnson’s ruling quickly arrived at the scene but was not good news for McIlroy.

“What other way can I play the shot as my club is going to hit the tree,” argued McIlroy.

Stewart was steadfast in sizing-up shot options available to McIlroy.

“To me that is a reasonable stroke from where you are,” said Stewart pointing with his walkie-talkie.

The conversation continued for another minute with Stewart then offering McIlroy the option of a second opinion and with McIlroy, and after a few seconds of quietly taking-in the comment, declaring:  “No, it’s fine.  I’ll play it where it is.”

McIlroy played the shot left-handed using the back of a wedge chipping back to the fairway but then putting his third into water guarding the green and after a penalty drop walking off with a bogey ‘6’ to Johnson’s birdie ‘4’.

At now six behind it proved to be the highwater mark of McIlroy’s challenge.

McGinley, and no doubt personally bitterly disappointed to have learnt earlier in the week that McIlroy would now be teeing-up at Lahinch, was full of praise for McIlroy.

“I was one who was very critical of the ruling that affected Haotong Li out in Dubai but on this one, Mike Stewart was strong and correct,” said McGinley on SKY.

“It is unlucky for McIlroy as golf does swing about but the rules are the rules, and this is what makes the game so strong.

“Though in saying that all credit to Rory in the way he conducted himself.”

In contrast, fellow SKY commentator and past PGA winner, Rich Beem wasn’t so sure.

“I would have exercised my option for a second opinion,” said Beem.

“There is nothing wrong with Mike Stewart as he’s an excellent referee but I would have sought a second opinion.”

McIlroy regrouped over the inward nine thanks to six birdies from his 1th to 16th holes but so too did Johnson with five birdies from 10 to 16.

Then if to add insult to injury McIlroy bogeyed the last four days after the brilliance of commencing the $10.25m event with an eagle ‘2’.

Shane Lowry was headed home after an uneventful week where he failed to break 70 in any round on route to a closing 75 for a closing nine-over par total.

AND

Graeme McDowell posted a last day 69 for a four-under tally and finish just outside the top-40 in the Puerto Rico Open.

G Mac will now join 2020 Ryder Cup Captain, Padraig Harrington in Thursday’s starting Honda Classic in Florida.

It will be the double Honda w



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