McIlroy ends title drought, Woods T-5th

Orlando, March 19

Rory McIlroy staged a spectacular back-nine charge to claim a three-shot victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, collecting his first PGA Tour win since 2016 and putting himself among the red-hot favourites for the US Masters. 

Two back of overnight leader Henrik Stenson when the day began, McIlroy overhauled the Swede with a brilliant error-free final round 8-under 64.

The Northern Irishman hit five birdies over his last six holes, including a nerve-wracking clutch 25-foot birdie at the 18th to clinch his first PGA Tour title since the 2016 Tour Championships. McIlroy strung together four consistent sub-par rounds for an 18-under 270 total and a three-shot victory over American Bryson DeChambeau (68). Tiger Woods had a 69 to cap another solid comeback effort and finished in a tie for fifth.

Lahiri finishes 75th

Anirban Lahiri ended a disappointing week with a horrendous 6-over 78 to finish tied-75th. Lahiri made six bogeys, a double bogey and two birdies in his final round to finish at 9-over.

Aditi finishes 26th

Phoenix (US): Aditi Ashok made six birdies enroute a 4-under 68 to finish tied-26th at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup. She had three birdies against one bogey on either side of the turn and took her total to an 8-under 280. She jumped from tied-50th to tied-26th, which earned her a cheque of $12,697. Inbee Park shot a 67, including four birdies in a row on the back-nine, to finish at 19-under and win the title. — Agencies