The most successful Major winner in the history of the game, Jack Nicklaus, has heaped praise on Rory McIlroy after his triumph at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
McIlroy turned in a performance both Nicklaus and the late great Arnold Palmer would’ve been proud of on Sunday as he putted his way to a flawless 64.
The Northern Irishman was able to end a 539-day wait for another PGA Tour win after a year spent battling a number of injuries and putting woes. He put that behind him in dramatic fashion as he silenced the Bay Hill crowd’s partisan support for a charging Tiger Woods with an imperious display on the greens.
‘Very happy @McIlroyRory on your @APinv win,’ Nicklaus tweeted.
‘You had been struggling —by your standards— but no longer. You were swinging & playing beautifully this week. And obviously the putter was working very well. I am so pleased to see you win at my old friend @arnoldpalmer‘s Bay Hill.
‘AP would’ve been very proud & loved to greet you on 18. I offer an AP thumbs-up & wink on job well done. Your first win as a married man gives you and Erica something to build upon. Barbara and I send heartfelt congrats & best wishes. We hope this sets you off on a great year!’
McIlroy will now go in search of the one Major that has evaded him: The Masters, in April. But first, he tackles the world’s best at the Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas.
