Scheffler’s brave win at Bay Hill was his second title in three starts after winning the Phoenix Open in February, victories that will push the 25-year-old American into the top five in the world for the first time.
Extra-long rough and fast greens were exacerbated by windy conditions over the weekend, but Scheffler booked a bogey free back nine — including two impressive par saves on 15 and 16 — to take home the $2.16 million prize money. take.
“It feels great to be able to win here,” Scheffler told reporters after finishing at five under par, one ahead of Viktor Hovland, Billy Horschel and Tyrrell Hatton.
“To be completely honest, I’m exhausted at the moment. This course is a total defeat to play. I’m really glad I didn’t have to play extra holes today.”
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy hit eight-over par over the weekend to fall back to one over for the tournament and a tie for 13th.
“To be honest, I feel completely drunk,” McIlroy, who at one point broke down a club in frustration, told reporters. “It’s like crazy golf. You just don’t get rewarded for good shots. It can hurt your confidence when the conditions are like this.”
American Gary Woodland had some of the lead in the last two holes, but a costly double bogey on 17 meant he eventually fell back to a tie for fifth place at three-under.
“I’m glad I’m off that golf course, I’m glad I’m done,” Woodland said. “Frustrating. I played a lot better than the score showed. I can compete with a lot of positive points, but it’s sticking now.”
