Clark holds off McIlroy fightback to win BMW Championship

Wyndham Clark of the United States claimed victory at the BMW Championship after holding off a determined comeback from Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the final day.

Clark carried a five-shot lead into the last round, but it steadily disappeared as McIlroy drew level with seven holes remaining. McIlroy had several chances to seize the outright lead but failed to convert them, while Clark responded with successive birdies to card a final-round 71 and finish the tournament at 17 under par.

McIlroy closed his own round one under par, ending the week at 13 under to take fourth place, four shots adrift of the champion.

Reaction from the leaders

"I'm one of the best players in the world. Everyone gives me a hard time and roots for other people, but I've come into my own. It's my best season yet coming off my worst year," Clark said afterwards, admitting he had felt strangely off during the round, making double bogeys, but managed to stay mentally strong.

McIlroy, who had lost his first-round lead following a second-round 69, said before the final day that he would need a "heroic effort" to reel in Clark. He clawed back two shots during the round as Clark dropped three, but missed a putt on the 14th hole with the scores level, after which Clark pulled clear again.

"I can't be too disappointed, I'm not playing well enough to be too disappointed to no win. I had my chances, but Wyndham stepped up. The way he played the last three holes, he showed a lot of character," McIlroy said.

Patrick Cantlay finished third on 14 under, with Gary Woodland, Chris Gotterup and Collin Morikawa sharing fourth place on 12 under.