DORAL, Fla. ' When Hunter Mahan soundly defeated Rory McIlroy in the final match at last months WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, Justin Rose quickly texted, Well done.
Mahans reply was borderline prophetic: Your choice, buddy. Honda (Classic) or Doral. Roses title drive last week at PGA National came up five strokes short, but he was more than happy with the consolation prize.
Rose rallied from three strokes behind Bubba Watson on Sunday at windswept Doral to win his first World Golf Championship and deliver swing coach Sean Foley, who also works with Mahan, a perfect start to the seasons WGCs.
Last week at the Honda, he shot a 71 (on Saturday), Foley said earlier this week at Doral. He turned an over-par round into a 71. Thats huge.
Rose didnt need much more than that on Sunday. The Englishman moved into a share of the lead with Keegan Bradley with a birdie at No. 4 and pulled away for good with birdies at Nos. 10 and 14 for a closing 70 and a one-stroke victory over Watson.
It turned out to be a battle instead of a birdie-fest, said Rose, who committed to play all four Florida Swing events this year and figured Doral was his best chance to win his fourth Tour title. I normally dont play more than four in a row, but I do well at all four courses in Florida, and you cant pass up a place where youve played well.