On This Day in 2010: Rory McIlroy wins first PGA Tour title

On This Day in 2010: Rory McIlroy wins first PGA Tour title

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy won his first PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte on May 2, 2010.

Here, the PA news agency looks back at his maiden title in America.

The new boy

Golf – The Open Championship 2010 – Round Four – St Andrews Old Course
A young Rory McIlroy made his big breakthrough in 2010. (Lynne Cameron/PA)

Almost missing the cut

The Open Championship 2019 – Day One – Royal Portrush Golf Club
McIlroy initially struggled in his first two rounds. (David Davies/PA)

Making up ground

Golf – 38th Ryder Cup – Europe v USA – Day Two – Celtic Manor Resort
McIlroy went on the charge during the third round. (David Davies/PA)

The final round

McIlroy started the final round four behind leader Mayfair and ended the day 10 ahead of the American. He began with three pars before a birdie at the par-four fourth and stormed through the field, racing back to the clubhouse in just 30 – sinking a 43-foot putt on the 18th to seal victory in a course-record 62. The Northern Irishman secured a four-stroke victory over Phil Mickelson as, two weeks before his 21st birthday, he became the youngest winner on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods won in Las Vegas in 1996 aged 20 years and 10 months.

Legacy

McIlroy has since won the 2011 US Open, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and the 2014 Open. The Masters has eluded him, with his best finish coming in 2015 when he placed fourth. He has also helped Europe win four Ryder Cups while picking up the FedEx Cup and two Race to Dubai titles and is currently ranked number one in the world.

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