Rory McIlroy continued his return to winning ways with a dominant victory at the Wells Fargo Championship - the fourth of his decorated career.
The County Down native had endured a barren spell across the Atlantic before returning to the winners' enclosure in tandem with Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic two weeks ago.
A three-time champion heading into Quail Hollow this weekend, McIlroy was hopeful of adding a fourth and that he did, claiming the title by a dominant five strokes with Xander Schauffele far behind in second place.
McIlroy first won the title in 2010 aged 20, reclaiming the prize in 2015 and 2019 before adding the latest of his quartet of wins at the Charlotte, North Carolina venue.
A four-time champion at Quail Hollow 🏆@McIlroyRory wins by FIVE @WellsFargoGolf! pic.twitter.com/nPrTTb0o8n
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 12, 2024
The win is the 26th of his PGA Tour career and a sees him assure his status as number two in the world rankings, behind Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy pays tribute to mother Rosie after Wells Fargo win
It is Mother's Day in the United States and McIlroy was wearing pink in homage to his mother, Rosie, during his epic performance which featured two eagles on the back nine.
His father, Gerry, is better known in golf circles, famously putting a bet on his son to win The Open within 10 years when he was just a teenager, something Rory went on to do in 2014.
Speaking after his win, McIlroy cut an emotional figure as he paid tribute to his mother in his post-round interview.
My mum is amazing," McIlroy said.
"I think most people know my dad but my mum Rosie is the gel that holds our family together and always has been.
"I am probably a bit more like my dad than I am my mum but I wish I was a little more like my mum at times.
"If you're watching mum, happy Mother's Day I can't wait to see you tomorrow!"
The 35-year-old is without a major win in 10 years but admitted that he feels like the stars could be aligning ahead of the PGA Championship.
The last time he won a major was the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in 2014 and the event returns to the venue next week.
"I feel like these people have sort of watched me grow up."
@WellsFargoGolf holds a special spot in @McIlroyRory's heart. pic.twitter.com/FHFtKULWBI— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 12, 2024
"I really got some confidence from New Orleans winning with Shane and coming into this week at a golf course I am comfortable at.
"My golf swing feels a lot more comfortable than it has done so going to a venue where I have won, it feels like the stars are aligning a bit.
"I have got a lot of golf to play and great players to try and beat next week but I am going into the next major of the year feeling really good about myself."
