Hunter Mahan Beats Rory McIlroy to Win Accenture Match Play Championship
By Jason Lisk
Mahan survived his opening match against Zach Johnson (decided on the 19th hole) then went on a tear to reach the semis, winning 5&3, 4&3, and 6&5 in three straight matches. He then survived against relative unknown Mark Wilson, winning 2&1 in the semis before beating McIlroy.
Mahan took control starting at hole #6, after surviving early. Mahan won 4 of the 5 holes between #6 and #10, then held off a slow rally from McIlroy that never got all the way back. The key hole on the back side was the 15th, where McIlroy drove the green setting up an eagle opportunity (he would two putt for the birdie). Mahan was able to birdie as well, halving the hole and maintaining a two hole lead with three to play. Mahan was then able to half the next two holes for the win. McIlroy could have claimed the #1 spot in the world with a win, instead, Hunter Mahan now joins him in the Top Ten.
[photo via US Presswire]