The margin eclipsed Jack Nicklaus’ previous mark of seven shots at Oak Hill in 1980 and catapulted the Northern Irishman up to number one in the world rankings.
McIlroy closed with exceptional rounds of 67 and 66 to add to his overnight three-shot lead with sublime putting, including an 18-foot birdie putt at the last hole.
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“I don’t think I’ve let it sunk in yet … I’m speechless,” McIlroy said of his remarkable win. ”I played solid the whole way through the week … I thought my putting today was phenomenal.”
McIlroy won by eight shots from Englishman David Lynn and nine from a group of four – Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, Ian Poulter and Carl Pettersson - to end a long run of poor form.
“It’s just been incredible, been an incredible week,” he said. ”I had a good feeling about it at the start. But I never imagined it to be this. To look at the names on that trophy and to put my name besides them is something very special. I’m just going to enjoy this.”
McIlroy had not finished higher than 40th in a major this year and was yet to win on either the PGA or European Tour but obliterated a field including 14-time major winner Tiger Woods.
“He’s very good. We all know the talent he has,” Woods said. “He went through a little spell this year, and I think that was good for him. We all go through those spells in our careers. He’s got all the talent in the world to do what he’s doing. And this is the way that Rory can play. When he gets it going, it’s pretty impressive to watch.”
Woods was in contention after two rounds but slipped down the order to two-under overall for a tie of 11th after carding a 74 and 72 to finish.
“Yesterday, I think I came out with the wrong attitude, too relaxed, just coming out to enjoy it,” Woods said. ”That’s not the way I am. I’m pretty intense, and I wasn’t that way, and it cost me.
“Overall, I’m very pleased with the way things are headed … It’s just making little fine-tunements (sic).”
It was McIlroy’s second major following his breakthrough triumph at the US Open last year, also by a margin of eight strokes. In doing so, McIlroy ended the streak of 16 consecutive majors with different winners and was the first player to go bogey-free in the last round since Phil Mickelson at the 2010 US Masters.
Dominant McIlroy revels in 'special' win
RORY MCILROY WAS lost for words after clinching his second major by a record eight strokes at the PGA Championship last night.
The margin eclipsed Jack Nicklaus’ previous mark of seven shots at Oak Hill in 1980 and catapulted the Northern Irishman up to number one in the world rankings.
McIlroy closed with exceptional rounds of 67 and 66 to add to his overnight three-shot lead with sublime putting, including an 18-foot birdie putt at the last hole.
“I don’t think I’ve let it sunk in yet … I’m speechless,” McIlroy said of his remarkable win. ”I played solid the whole way through the week … I thought my putting today was phenomenal.”
McIlroy won by eight shots from Englishman David Lynn and nine from a group of four – Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, Ian Poulter and Carl Pettersson - to end a long run of poor form.
“It’s just been incredible, been an incredible week,” he said. ”I had a good feeling about it at the start. But I never imagined it to be this. To look at the names on that trophy and to put my name besides them is something very special. I’m just going to enjoy this.”
McIlroy had not finished higher than 40th in a major this year and was yet to win on either the PGA or European Tour but obliterated a field including 14-time major winner Tiger Woods.
“He’s very good. We all know the talent he has,” Woods said. “He went through a little spell this year, and I think that was good for him. We all go through those spells in our careers. He’s got all the talent in the world to do what he’s doing. And this is the way that Rory can play. When he gets it going, it’s pretty impressive to watch.”
Woods was in contention after two rounds but slipped down the order to two-under overall for a tie of 11th after carding a 74 and 72 to finish.
“Overall, I’m very pleased with the way things are headed … It’s just making little fine-tunements (sic).”
It was McIlroy’s second major following his breakthrough triumph at the US Open last year, also by a margin of eight strokes. In doing so, McIlroy ended the streak of 16 consecutive majors with different winners and was the first player to go bogey-free in the last round since Phil Mickelson at the 2010 US Masters.
Glory Rory! McIlroy leaves his mark on Kiawah Island
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