England's Tyrrell Hatton was victorious at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last night, as world number one Rory McIlroy saw his challenge fade in the final round.
Down star McIlroy hit two double bogeys on the front nine to go from tied for the lead to out of contention, having started day four one shot off the lead.
Twenty-eight-year-old Hatton was delighted to earn his maiden PGA Tour win, and acknowledged he can find it tough at times to keep his patience on the course.
“It was really tough out there and obviously I was getting frustrated at times, but nowhere near the blowups that I am capable of. And it's just one of those days where you just got to stick in there, and patience is one of the hardest things with me.
“I said yesterday the hardest thing for me will be to manage myself. And over the course of this week I feel like I did a decent job of that."
Hatton's management company is Modest! Golf, owned by Mullingar man and renowned pop star Niall Horan. Golf super-fan Horan tweeted his delight at Hatton's victory after the final round.
The 2020 @APinv champion!! So happy for you @TyrrellHatton. Being a part of your team I see how much hard work you put in and to see you get your first @PGATOUR win is very special. The king @ArnoldPalmer would have been proud of that performance at his place. @modestgolf pic.twitter.com/x8wZyeYra5
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 8, 2020
Hatton's final round of 74 was not blemish-free, but he did hold on to secure the victory at Bay Hill, with his resilience one aspect he was proud of after his round.
“It was so tough and obviously everyone's dropping shots quite easily. And after the double on 11, which was pretty tough to take … I did get a bit frustrated.
“That's always going to happen with me. And as long as it's not kind of keeping on over to the next shot, then I'll be okay. I'm just happy that I've managed myself well enough this week to be sitting here.
“It's an incredible feeling to win at such an iconic venue and with obviously Arnie's name to it. Hopefully I can push on and keep climbing."
Up next is the PLAYERS Championship - with two-time champion at TPC Sawgrass Tiger Woods missing out with a back injury.
Hatton says he's not thinking of becoming the first Englishman to win it just yet, and wants to celebrate this victory properly first.
“Time will tell. It's hard to kind of think about next week at the moment with the sort of potential celebrations we have got later today. I don't think I'll be in any fit state at least until Wednesday.”
McIlroy will be disappointed with his final day showing, hitting a 76 to finish in a tie for fifth as double-bogeys on holes six and nine ended his challenge.
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