“Conversations with Champions presented by Sentry” is a weekly series from Golfweek. This week, we take a look at Rory McIlroy basking in the glory of winning the 2022 Tour Championship.
Third time’s a charm?
Rory McIlroy captured his third FedEx Cup title at East Lake Golf Club on Sunday, becoming the first PGA Tour player to win it three times.
He did so in stellar comeback fashion. He began the week six shots back of leader Scottie Scheffler due to the Staggered Strokes format. After a rough start, McIlroy quickly found himself 10 shots off the lead. But then he put his head down and went to work, posting scores of 67-67-63-66 to finish at 21 under. In terms of raw numbers, he had the best week, going 17 under.
The highlight of his Sunday charge was when he drained a 30-footer for birdie on the 16th hole.
“COME ON!!!”@McIlroyRory is FIRED up @PlayoffFinale 🔥 https://t.co/apyulWdKUi pic.twitter.com/PDYDQCxqUN
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 28, 2022
After his round, McIlroy made the rounds in celebration. One of the first things he did was congratulate Scheffler’s family.
All class.@McIlroyRory apologized to Scottie Scheffler's family after his victory @PlayoffFinale. pic.twitter.com/gJwd05iskF
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 28, 2022
During a post-round gathering, McIlroy couldn’t help but take a friendly jab at good buddy Tiger Woods, who has won the FedEx Cup twice.
.@McIlroyRory has one thing over @TigerWoods now 😅 pic.twitter.com/3DK9F0ZLe8
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 28, 2022
McIlroy was also seen congratulating his caddie, Harry Diamond, on a job well done.
.@McIlroyRory and his caddie soaking it all in 🤗 pic.twitter.com/X89kggH9tG
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 29, 2022
On Monday, McIlroy posted a message about his win, giving credit to Scheffler while reaffirming his alignment with the PGA Tour.
It’s an absolute privilege to be a member of the @PGATour where I have the opportunity to battle players like Scottie in front of the most incredible fans. Having the chance to do something no one else has done by winning three FedEx Cup titles is why I play this game. pic.twitter.com/kIHmC8XlGL
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 29, 2022
So what’s next?
McIlroy discussed having a delayed celebration with one of his good friends and some fine wine.
“I had a conversation with Shane Lowry yesterday, and it’s Poppy’s birthday on Wednesday and his kids are going to come around our house for Poppy’s birthday,” McIlroy said of his young daughter. “He said, ‘I’ll see you next week and we can celebrate with the FedEx Cup.’ I was like, ‘yeah, whatever.’ I was eight back at the time. I was like, ‘yeah, I’ll just see you next week.’
“Lo and behold, we might find a few really nice bottles of red wine tomorrow night in my wine cellar and open them up and have a good time.”
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