Tired McIlroy wins Hong Kong Open

If this is how Rory McIlroy plays when he’s worn out, imagine what’s in store once he’s rested.

Despite a 10-week run of tournaments he said “definitely hasn’t helped me be fresh,” the 22-year-old U.S. Open champ closed with a 65 to win the UBS Hong Kong Open. McIlroy holed out from a bunker on 18 to finish two clear of Gregory Havret on 12-under par.

McIlroy also overtook Luke Donald for the No. 1 spot on the European Tour money list, with the winner decided this week at the Dubai World Championship. Donald topped this year’s PGA Tour money rankings and is vying to become the first player to lead both in a single season.

If McIlroy repeats his Hong Kong performance, that won’t be easy. He finished with five birdies and no bogeys over a Fanling course where he’d finished second twice in three previous starts. McIlroy was one of several players to hold the lead Sunday, but other contenders fell back. They included defending champion Ian Poulter, who tied fourth, and third-place finisher Peter Hanson.

McIlroy outlasted them all, punctuating his 72^nd-hole highlight with a fist-pumping celebration. “I think that’s the most excited I’ve maybe ever been on a golf course,” he said.