Rory McIlroy defended his Canadian Open title at the weekend with a two-shot victory over Tony Finau at St George's Golf Course.
It was the 33-year-old's 21st PGA Tour victory, and one that moves him ahead of Greg Norman in the roll of honour. That he has now moved ahead of the Australian is a fact McIlroy made sure was known when he spoke to the media.
Norman is the CEO of the LIV Golf series, the Saudi-backed rival tour which held its first event in London at the weekend. McIlroy has been a long-time critic of the tour.
"It’s incredible," McIlroy CBS Sports after his win.
"Playing with Tony and JT today, two of the best players in the world and all of us playing the way we did. I think the worst score of the group was, whatever, six under par?
"This is a day that I'll remember for a long, long time. 21st PGA Tour win, one more than someone else. That gave me a little bit of extra incentive today. Happy to get it done.
"I think after Covid and everything, I needed a complete reset. Sort of re-dedicated myself to the game a little bit, sort of realised what made me happy. And this makes me happy.
"I just put the work in. I've got a great team around me. They're behind me 100 per cent. It makes it easier for me to go and do things like I did today."
Rory McIlroy has dig at Greg Norman
During the post-tournament press conference McIlroy also made sure his step above Greg Norman was noted.
"Rory successful defends a title on the PGA TOUR for the first time, wins on the PGA TOUR for the 21st time, and moves into a tie for 31st on the all-time PGA TOUR wins list. Rory, if we could just get an opening comment on the victory and what it means to you," said the press conference moderator.
"And one more than Norman," replied McIlroy.
"I had extra motivation of what's going on across the pond. The guy that's spearheading that tour has 20 wins on the PGA Tour and I was tied with him and I wanted to get one ahead of him. And I did. So that was really cool for me, just a little sense of pride on that one."
Picture credit: Tony Bowler / Shutterstock.com
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