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Rory McIlroy reflects on 'really good week' after beating Scottie Scheffler to finish third
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Rory McIlroy reflects on 'really good week' after beating Scottie Scheffler to finish third

Rory McIlroy reflected on a "really good week" after coming out on top in his heavyweight clash with World Number One Scottie Scheffler to finish third at the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

After suffering a narrow semi-final defeat against Cameron Young at the first extra hole earlier on Sunday, in-form McIlroy came up against last year's winner Scheffler in the consolation match after the American had been beaten by eventual champion Sam Burns in their last-four clash.

For the second match in a row, Scheffler found himself three down in the early stages as McIlroy made a lightning-quick start.

And although he ate into McIlroy's lead, he was never able to catch him as the Northern Irishman produced some of his very best golf to keep Scheffler at bay.

After winning the 16th to go 2UP with two holes remaining, a tie at the 17th was enough to hand McIlroy victory.

McIlroy now turns his attention to getting ready for next month's Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club as he bids to win his fifth Major Championship and first since 2014.

He said: "The consolation was going out there and winning the match this afternoon.

"Obviously I was playing the number one player in the world so I just had to regroup, and I got off to a decent start and got up on Scottie early.

"Then we were trading a few bogeys here and there - it was a bit of a pillow fight in the middle of the round.

"Then we traded some birdies at the end and it's nice to walk away with the win after the disappointment of this morning, not being able to put Cam away.

"But overall it's been a really good week and something to really build on going into Augusta.

"I'll try to rest and recover a little bit over the next couple of days. All eyes on Augusta and just making sure the game's ready.

"But everything feels in really good order. I'll just work on some things that I know that I'll need for that week and just make sure I'm ready and rested."

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