Sadly this third column – and a few other substantially larger rewards – wasn’t quite meant to be for “Sully” and his army (although a guaranteed place at Augusta will ease the pain), and in the end it was Rory McIlroy who prevailed.
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The European No. 1 drove into the water on the par-three 17th, however, before producing the monster putt that dashed Sullivan’s hopes of a dramatic turnaround.
SHEFFIELD’S Danny Willett came up short in his attempt to become Europe’s No 1 player for the season as that title – and the DP World Tour Championship – went to Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. No majors, but hardly a minor achievement. “There was a lot of hype around myself this year”, he said.
“I didn’t think Andy was ever going to miss – every time I holed a birdie, he matched it. He’s a terrific performer and I had to give it everything to win”. The last few events, I’ve come off t frustrated because I really felt I could do better.
“But on the golf side, I guess just one; one thing I was able to tick off, which was winning the Race to Dubai”. McIlroy proved that by first hunting down Sullivan and passing him – and then by digging deep when disaster loomed. The Ulsterman got off to a hot start, grabbing birdies in eight of his first 15 holes to take a two-stroke lead over Sullivan, but Rory had a scare down the stretch. McIlroy will only concur.
The four-time major winner’s victory at the European Tour finale provided an upbeat ending to a topsy-turvy season. “I’ve done myself really proud today (Sunday) and I’m really happy”. My ball-striking is right where I want it to be. “He will be real asset in the Ryder Cup”.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal season, transforming from relative obscurity to a major contender in not just European but world golf.
Sullivan dropped a shot on the eighth and although he chipped in on the ninth to stay in pole position, McIlroy pulled level on the 12th and seemed set for a comfortable verdict when he moved two clear with three to play.
He had a loan back nine birdie on the 11th, and battled on the 13th and the next for pars, including a magnificent chip on from off the green at the 14th for a par five.
Despite finishing second when he could only sign for a 68 Sullivan, who once stacked shelves at Asda because he lacked belief in his ability to making a living from playing golf, will have also brought a smile to his bank manager’s face.
“It’s the best way to finish 2015, and I can’t wait for next year”, McIlroy said.
“You definitely can’t be complacent”, McIlroy added. So you get up-and-down for bogey.’ It helped.
“We didn’t finish great but I don’t think it would have made too much of a difference any way”.
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But McIlroy rose to the occassion, draining a 30 foot putt for a bogey to keep a one stroke cushion.
