ATLANTA — This year, it became easy to overlook Rory McIlroy’s considerable accomplishments on the golf course, including four major championships, 30 wins on four continents and two years at No. 1 in the world.
He had been viewed mostly as the strongest voice and staunchest defender of the PGA Tour in its battle against LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-funded series that has drawn in tour members and is set to add more. So perhaps it was only fitting that a most tumultuous year for the PGA Tour culminated Sunday with McIlroy holding its biggest prize.
He had the final say with his clubs.
Six shots behind before the Tour Championship started Thursday, 10 shots back after two holes, McIlroy rallied from a six-shot deficit in the final round against the No. 1 player in the world and closed with a 4-under-par 66 at East Lake Golf Club to become the first three-time winner of the FedEx Cup.