Wells Fargo Championship concludes: Rory McIlroy is number one again – Golf News
Rory McIlroy has yet again reclaimed the world number one spot in the Official World Golf Rankings, however, this time it did not come like he wanted it to.
He tied for the top spot at the end of the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday, May 6, 2012. Therefore, the game was forced to stretch into the sudden-death playoffs where McIlroy contended against Rickie Fowler and DA Points.
On the first extra hole, Fowler recorded a birdie against McIlroy and Points’ par stroke to register the first win of his career.
“It was a long wait but it was well worth it,” said Fowler, sporting his Errol Flynn moustache. “I felt the expectation weighing down on me, but I just tried to stay low”.
As a result, McIlroy had to share the second spot, which, in turn, put him atop the world rankings.
“I suppose it is a sort of consolation to return to world No 1,” he said. “But I wanted to win the tournament. I’m pleased for Rickie. He’s so talented and deserves this. I’m sure this will be a springboard for him”.
Quail Hollow is the same tournament that witnessed McIlroy earn the first ever professional victory of the career. This year, it saw Fowler do the same on the PGA Tour.
Therefore, it seems that the tournament is getting a name in producing first time winners while bringing together the best names in the golfing world under one roof.
In the meantime, the leader of the opening two rounds Webb Simpson failed to hold onto his nerves and carded a one-over par 73 to finish one stroke behind the playoff trios.
Lee Westwood, Ben Curtis and Ryan Moore were further three strokes behind to share the fifth spot on the leaderboard.
Westwood and Curtis both had great runs on Sunday, as they carded a six-under and five-under par score respectively.
The highlights of both the performances include Westwood going six-under par through 9 holes and Curtis’ five birdies on the final seven holes he played.
Westwood is now aiming to keep the momentum of good performance going into the upcoming Players Championship, which is also known as the ‘fifth major’.
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