So near yet so far for McIlroy as he's pipped for PGA title at Wentworth
World Number Eight finishes two shots off winner
Rory McIlroy produced some of his best golf for some time – to finish runner-up in the European Tour PGA Championship at Wentworth.
After two scintillating opening rounds, he lost his way a little on Day 3 but recovered yesterday to finish -15 – two shots behind Italy’s Francesco Molinari.
The World Number Eight said he was disappointed not to have won his second PGA title in four years – but believes his game is slowly but surely getting back to its best.
McIlroy had enjoyed a three-shot lead at halfway following rounds of 67 and 65, but struggled to a 71 on Saturday and rescued a 70 on Sunday with birdies on the last two holes.
The 29-year-old had worked on changes to his swing since missing the cut in the Players Championship and said: I think when you're working through a bit of a swing change or a swing tweak, it takes more than a week's work to try to bed it in and this is my first competitive start since trying to rectify things.
It's close, it's very close. I've given myself a great chance here this week. I didn't quite pull it off but it's not far away. I get a bit down on myself because my expectations are high and with a 36-hole lead I should have closed it out.
It's disappointing but that's not taking anything away from Francesco. He played a great weekend and bogey-free around here is some playing. He deserved the win. I just need to do a little bit more work and I'm looking forward to getting right back at it at Memorial next week.''