I WENT THE EXTRA MILE

Rory admits thought of Liv Golf winner spurred him

- PHIL CASEY

RORY MCILROY has admitted 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.

Another late eagle from American Talor Gooch (inset) 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.

"The leaderboard at Wentworth last week at about 2 pm on Sunday was looking pretty grim if you were in a position that I hold," said Mcllroy, who had previously said the presence of 18 players from the Saudi-funded breakaway was "hard to stomach".