Oklahoma State University Athletics
Hunter Mahan Wins WGC Match Play Title
February 26, 2012 | Cowboy Golf
Feb. 26, 2012
MARANA, Ariz. - Former Oklahoma State standout Hunter Mahan collected his fourth PGA Tour victory on Sunday, knocking off Rory McIlroy, 2 and 1, in the title match of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Mahan's victory also signified his second WGC title after winning the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in 2010.
The 2003 national player of the year during his final season in Stillwater, Mahan's victory on Sunday wrapped up an impressive week of play. In his six matches combined, Mahan led for 70 of the 96 holes he played and never trailed during his final four matches.
The two players halved the first five holes, before Mahan got going with wins at Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 10 to build a 4-up lead. McIlroy cut the margin in half with wins at two of the next four. However, Mahan settled back in and halved the next three holes to close out the match.
Mahan knocked off Mark Wilson, 2 and 1, Sunday morning to set up his afternoon showdown with McIlroy.
In his first-round match, Mahan needed 19 holes to defeat Zach Johnson before cruising to a 5-and-3 victory over Y.E. Yang in round two. Mahan's third match resulted in a 4-and-3 win over Steve Stricker. He then advanced to the semifinals with a 6-and-5 triumph over Matt Kuchar in the event's fourth round.
