McIlroy says LIV rivals at Wentworth gave him ‘extra motivation’

A late eagle from American Talor Gooch meant he was the highest placed LIV player in fourth place, a shot in front of Reed, with Shane Lowry winning the title by a shot ahead of McIlroy and Rahm.

BEATING THE BAD GUYS: Rory McIlroy practicing ahead of the Italian Open at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Pic: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy has admitted that the “grim” prospect of a LIV Golf player winning the BMW PGA Championship gave him extra motivation.

Patrick Reed’s final round of 63 set the early clubhouse target of 14 under par at Wentworth and was not surpassed for almost two hours, when Jon Rahm eagled the 18th to finish 16 under.