Age making me a better player, says McIlroy after Sheshan victory

By Rahul Banerji

FedEx Cup champion and world number two Rory McIlroy won his fourth title of the season and his first ever in China, and promptly declared that he was running out of time at age 30.

The Northern Irishman beat defending champion Xander Schauffele on the first play-off hole of the $10.25 million WGC-HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Sunday, and said focus had been the key for him in this hot streak of form.

“I think maybe more so than when I first came on the Tour, I realise I don’t have as much time left as I used to when I was 20,” McIlroy said after finishing on 19-under 269 (67-67-67-68).

“Even if I’m having a bad day, I’m trying over every single shot. My concentration is better and my mental capacity on the golf course is much better than it ever has been, and I think that’s a big key to why I’m able to play consistently week-in, week-out.

Making it count

“Right now, the game feels pretty simple. I know that it’s not going to feel like that all the time, but when it does, you have to take advantage of that feeling.”

In the lead until the final two holes, McIlroy saw his two-shot advantage slip away with the young American catching him at 19-under (66-69-68-66) at the final hole with a birdie on the par-5 18^th, over which the play-off was held.

But McIlroy turned it on when most needed, hitting the green in two while Schauffele took three to reach after finding the rough off the tee. The eagle putt was just short, leaving a tap-in for the 30-year-old McIlroy to complete his 18^th career PGA Tour victory.

“Xander pushed me the whole way, or all 73 holes we played together this week,” McIlroy admitted after his massive drive and pin-point approach iron shot. “I knew that was the big moment because I could hit a drive down the fairway and put the pressure on him.

“The four wins this year have been wonderful. The Players Championship, RBC Canadian Open, Tour Championship to win the FedExCup, big events,” McIlroy said.

Consistency the key

“But more than that, I think it is the consistency that I’m bringing week-in, week-out, so even if I don’t have my best stuff, at least give myself a chance.

“It was so hard. I felt after shooting 10-under par for the first two days, thinking going bogey-free over the weekend, I thought that would probably be enough to get the job done.

“I played 73 holes this week with Xander, and I have to give credit to him. He’s battled the flu all week and he’s played unbelievably well considering how he’s been feeling.

“Hole 18 has been good to me over the week. Had an eagle Friday, a great birdie yesterday, and got lucky in regulation not to go in the water and it was a relief to hit those two shots in the playoff.

‘Danger everywhere‘

“I had to make a couple of good up-and-downs just to sort of hang in there. It got tricky as the day went on. At that point I just needed to hit fairways and greens. It’s a tough closing stretch, even though there’s holes that you think you should birdie, danger is waiting around every corner.

“I’ve played conservatively when I needed to and thankfully it paid off.”

South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen was third on 17-under 271 (68-69-65-69), and had a three-way tie for fourth place behind him between PGA Tour rookie Victor Perez, Matthias Schwab and Abraham Ancer finishing on 15-under 273s.

Added Schauffele, Unfortunately, a good attitude doesn’t make you hit it 350. But I tried, I tried my best. Played great. I did. I beat him on the day just to get in a playoff, and a little bit unfortunate I couldn’t pull it off.

‘Happy for Rory’

“He’s the best driver in our game. So if I was a betting man, I probably would have bet on him if we had to play the hole over and over again. He’s a great guy. Couldn’t be happier for him.

“Like I said, I played great all week; fought. It was nice to have a chance on the back nine. Rory, he’s an elite player. When he’s on, I’d say he’s arguably the best player in the world. He made me play better.

“I played with him in Japan, as well. I think I played six out of eight rounds. So he’s made me better during my Asian Swing and I know what I need to do to become a better player.”

Also read: FedEx champ Rory McIlroy is PGA Tour’s Player of Year