CHARLOTTE, N.C. – He didn’t collect his third Wells Fargo Championship title on Sunday, but Rory McIlroy’s affinity for Quail Hollow grew nonetheless.
In seven starts at this event, McIlroy has two victories (2010 and ’15), a runner-up (’12), and just one finish outside the top 10 (in ’11 when he missed the cut).
His closing 66 on Sunday to tie for fourth only solidified the layout’s appeal and gave the world No. 3 a reason to look forward to next year’s PGA Championship that will be played on the Tom Fazio-designed layout.
Wells Fargo Championship: Articles, photos and videos
“Since I heard that the PGA was coming here a few years ago, it’s been one that I’ve been earmarking that I feel like it’s a really good chance for me,” he said.
The course is scheduled to go through a renovation following this week’s tournament – crews started preparing the front nine for work just after the leaders made the turn on Sunday. The project includes a dramatically redesigned front nine and new grass on the greens.
None of that dampens McIlroy’s expectations for next year’s PGA, an major he’s won twice.
“Anytime I walk back here I always feel comfortable,” McIlroy said. “I feel like I’ll always have a chance to contend and it’s definitely one next year, the ’17 PGA, I’d love to get my name on that Wanamaker [Trophy].”