McIlroy saves '˜perfect round' to honour Palmer and make a Masters statement

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates after making a birdie on the 18th green during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The 28-year-old carded a majestic final round of 64 at Bay Hill, reeling off five birdies on the final six holes to finish on 18 under par.

It put him three shots ahead of his nearest rival Bryson DeChambeau, and ensured he will be among the leading contenders at next month’s Masters. “I played a perfect round of golf,” said the Northern Irishman.

“It was awesome to feel the buzz of being somewhere around the lead going into the back nine and reeling off those four birdies in a row.

“I’ve missed it, I really have missed it, and to play the sort of golf that I played today under that pressure, I’m really proud of myself and just so happy to win.”

McIlroy’s last victory came in September 2016 when he won the FedEx Cup on the same day that Arnold Palmer died.

“For me to get my next win here, it means a lot. I’ve had quite a connection with Arnold Palmer,” said McIlroy.

Tiger Woods was briefly in contention for the second successive Sunday but his challenge faded with bogeys at the 16th and 17th, and he finished in a share of fifth.

England’s Laura Davies recorded her best finish since 2007 as she held on to tie for second at the Founders Cup in Arizona.