By Paul Myers
While Rory McIlroy is just getting started in his professional golf career, he has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. Just 27 years of age, McIlroy has already claimed four major championship titles, placing him safely among the best players in the history of the game. However, despite the fact that his game has already taken him to the top of the golf world on many occasions, McIlroy does have a weak spot that pops up from time to time – his putting. Well-known as one of the best ball strikers on the planet, Rory tends to go as far as his putter will take him.
This past weekend, that putter was able to take him directly to the top of the leaderboard. McIlroy took home the title from the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston thanks to a final round 65. By shooting 66 and 65 in the last two rounds, McIlroy was able to post a total of 15 under par, two better than runner-up Paul Casey. With the win, McIlroy moved into 4th place in the FedEx Cup standings, giving him a strong chance to take home the title after two more events.
Plenty of Contenders
Patrick Reed, who finished in a tie for 5th after his week the previous week, remains in the top spot in the FedEx Cup standings. Jason Day, after a T15 performance at TPC Boston, is in 2nd place in the FedEx race, and Dustin Johnson sits 3rd. Any of these players could easily capture the overall title with a couple of great weeks to finish out the season, and plenty of others are still in contention if they can finish strong. Of course, not to be forgotten, defending champion Jordan Spieth is in 6th place and is holding on to a chance to defend his title.
Two Weeks to Go
Two two events remaining in the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs are the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick GC in Carmel, IN, and the TOUR Championship at East Lack GC in Atlanta. Players who do qualify for the TOUR Championship will have a week off in between the two events to rest up and prepare for one of the most important weeks of the season. That rest will be especially important for Ryder Cup team members, as the Ryder Cup matches will be the very next weekend after the TOUR Championship has been concluded.
Playing for Attention
In addition to the obvious motivation of being named FedEx Cup champion, and the big check that comes with it, some of the players in the field at the BMW Championship will also be working hard to impress Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III. With four Captain’s picks to be made, you can be sure that all of the contenders will be doing their best to show Davis Love III just what they can bring to the table. With a long U.S. losing streak in place, each pick it going to be vitally important if the U.S. team is going to regain the cup.