Rory McIlroy may not have needed the $11.53 million he won on Sunday as a result of his Tour Championship and FedEx Cup double-up, but he sure can use the confidence.
The supremely talented Northern Irishman had a relatively disappointing season heading into the FedEx Cup Playoffs, describing his play in the 2015-16 season as “neutral.” However, after outlasting Ryan Moore in a four-hole playoff at East Lake, McIlroy’s season — and bank balance — are looking much more impressive.
.@McIlroyRory gave us a finish we won’t soon forget. https://t.co/U2TfSokBxP
— SkratchTV (@skratchTV) September 25, 2016
McIlroy shot weekend rounds of 66-64 to force a playoff with Moore and Kevin Chappell. Looking to be a little too far behind coming down the stretch, McIlroy kicked off the drama that would culminate with the primal yell by holing his approach on the 16th hole.
We know it’s not Thursday, but we’ll throw it back to where all the magic began for Rory … https://t.co/pIEbcsARPv
— TOUR Championship (@playofffinale) September 25, 2016
A birdie at the last got McIlroy into a three-man playoff that he capped with this exceptional putt.
Let’s be honest …
This was all of our reactions, right? https://t.co/UF0aIRdTUX
— TOUR Championship (@playofffinale) September 26, 2016
The win netted McIlroy the Tour Championship and its $1.53 million first prize, but by virtue of entering the week in sixth place, the win — in conjunction with Dustin Johnson’s sixth-place finish — was enough to earn McIlroy the FedEx Cup and accompanying $10 million.