This was the most satisfying major for McIlroy because he had to work the hardest. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland was developing a stereotype as a player who would only win in soft conditions with a comfortable lead. There was nothing comfortable about the final two hours at Valhalla. One mistake could be the difference between winning the losing.
Mickelson found that out with a chip that flew too strong at the cup at the 16th hole and led to bogey. Fowler missed the 14th green badly to the right and made bogey. Stenson missed a 3-foot par putt on the same hole and never caught up. McIlroy didn't flinch and wound up winning by one shot over Mickelson.
Why was it so satisfying?
"It means that I know that I can do it. I know that I can come from behind," McIlroy said. "Phil Mickelson, the second-best player in this era, to be able to beat him on the back nine Sunday, it's great to have in the memory bank and great to have going forward."
McIlroy posted a photo on Twitter in the early hours of Monday showing him holding the claret jug and the Wanamaker Trophy from the last two majors. "The summer of 2014 is one I'll never forget!!" he wrote. Maybe it will get even better. Whatever happens, McIlroy should now be equipped for just about anything.
