Rory McIlroy beats Tiger Woods in exhibition match
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Rory McIlroy secured his first ‘win’ of 2013 as he beat Tiger Woods by a shot in an exhibition match at Mission Hills.
The Northern Irishman beat the man who replaced him as world number one in the big money match, thanks to a storming finish in China that included four birdies and an eagle in the closing seven holes.
McIlroy eventually finished up with a seven-under-par 66, while Woods was a stroke back at 67.
The result was almost identical to last year’s clash when McIlroy’s round of 67 was enough to again pip the American by a shot.
The Nike duo played some spectacular golf on the back-nine at the Blackstone Course, with matching eagles and three birdies apiece after the turn.
Initially behind, McIlroy caught Woods with a birdie on the 14th and moved ahead at the 17th when Woods came up short of the green and missed a five-foot putt for par. Woods then had one final chance to tie the match on the final green but he was unable to convert at 20-footer for eagle, leaving McIlroy victorious in the event.
For their time, McIlroy will reportedly take home £930,000 – £230,000 more Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano claimed for his BMW Masters win – and Woods will earn more than £1.24 million.
