Boy, oh Boy Wonder! McIlroy wins Bridgestone

AKRON, Ohio — From the links of Britain to the parkland of America, Rory McIlroy is on top of the world again.

In his first start since a wiretowire win at the British Open, McIlroy wiped out a threeshot deficit in only three holes and closed with a 4under 66 on Sunday to win the Bridgestone Invitational and return to No. 1 in the world.

“It feels like a long time since I lost that No. 1 spot, but it feels good to be back on top,” McIlroy said. “Hopefully, I can keep it for a while.”

And just as at Royal Liverpool two weeks ago, Boy Wonder made it look easy.

Sergio Garcia had a threeshot lead going into the final round at Firestone. McIlroy fired off three straight birdies and already had the lead when he stood on the fourth tee. He took over the lead for good with an 8foot birdie putt on the 11th hole, got some breathing room when Garcia made bogey on the 15th hole, and the 25yearold from Northern Ireland cruised home to a twoshot victory.

Garcia closed with a 71, though his runnerup finish was enough to move him to No. 3 in the world.

McIlroy became the 13th player with a major victory and a World Golf Championship, and joined Tiger Woods as the only players to win them in consecutive starts.

Marc Leishman (67) finished alone in third. Phil Mickelson made 10 birdies for a careerbest 62 at Firestone and tied for 15th.

McIlroy heads south to the PGA Championship at Valhalla with a full head of steam. After a brief celebration with the Claret Jug, he was determined to move for ward and chase more titles over the final four months of the year. He backed it up with a powerful performance on a soggy Firestone course to take the top spot in the world from Adam Scott.

McIlroy finished at 15under 265 and won $1.4 million, leaving him $765 short of Bubba Watson on the PGA Tour money list.