LOS ANGELES – Rory McIlroy’s bid for a statement victory came to an abrupt end Sunday at Riviera.
Tied for the lead early in the final round, the new world No. 1 caught a flier from the left rough on the par-4 fifth hole. Instead of landing his ball on the front third of the green, his second shot from 162 yards pitched about pin high and rolled off the back of the green, into a shaved collection area.
“Obviously not the place you want to leave yourself,” he said.
It was the mistake that cost McIlroy the tournament.