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Agence France-Presse

Rory McIlroy rolled in a 14-foot birdie putt at the fourth hole of a sudden death play-off to edge Ryan Moore for the USPGA Tour Championship and claim the $10 million FedEx Cup play-off bonus.
With the play-off prize and the $1.53 million winner’s check, four-time major champion McIlroy earned a total payday of $11.53 million at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia.
“It was incredible,” said McIlroy, who with his victory in the Deutsche Bank Championship has won $13.81 million in the play-offs. “All I wanted to do at the start of the day was concentrate on winning the Tour Championship. Somehow I was able to tie it up in regulation and get into the play-off.”
Watch: Rory McIlroy claims a dramatic play-off win


World number two Dustin Johnson finished tied for sixth but after coming into the season finale atop the FedEx Cup standings would have still claimed the play-off bonus if either Moore or Kevin Chappell had won the tournament.
Chappell was eliminated at the first hole of the play-off – the par-five 18th where McIlroy missed a six-foot eagle attempt that would have won it all.
Dustin Johnson and Kevin Chappell tied for Tour Championship lead after third round
Moore drained a nine-foot birdie putt at the first play-off hole and he and McIlroy returned to play 18 again, both emerging with pars, as they did at the third play-off hole, the par-three 15th.
The fourth play-off hole took them to the par-four 16th, where McIlroy belted a 328-yard drive. Moore had made his par-saving putt when McIlroy stepped up and drained his 14-foot birdie attempt.
McIlroy’s triumph came at the same 16th hole where he surged into the play-off mix by holing out from 140 yards out in the fairway for eagle.
He followed that with a tap-in birdie at 18 to cap a 64 to join Moore, who also carded a 64, and Chappell, who shot a 66, on 12-under par 268.
“I knew I needed something to happen,” McIlroy said. “I said to myself on the 15th tee, if I can finish with three threes I’ll give myself a chance.
Dust in front: Dustin Johnson leads Tour Championship as injured Jason Day withdraws
“I didn’t quite think the eagle was going to come as soon as it did,” he added. “But when something like that happens, you have to make the most of it. The holed shots from the fairway, it is part skill, but there’s an epic part of luck in there as well, and I took advantage of it ... A lot of things had to go right for me today, and they did.
“Everything fell into place.”
England’s Paul Casey also posted a 64 to finish alone on 271. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama signed for a 69 for 274.
Johnson, whose three victories this season include his first major title at the US Open, the WGC Bridgestone and the BMW Championship two weeks ago, started the day tied for the lead with Chappell but carded a three-over 73 to finished tied with Justin Thomas on 275.
Hong Kong golfer Jason Hak hopes dark days are over after wondering whether he should quit the game
Moore said it was “a blast” going head to head with McIlroy.
“It was back and forth all day,” he said. “Obviously, Chappell was playing great along the way, too. So just coming down the stretch there, it was fun.”
Chappell, who was looking for his first tour title, said his bogey five at the 17th followed by his par five at the last were his real downfall.
“Played those two holes in 10, probably not going to win too often,” he said. “I gave it all I had and got some good breaks, got some bad breaks there the last couple holes. But I’m proud of the way I fought.
“It just wasn’t enough today.”


Good day’s work: Rory McIlroy banks US$11.5m as he wins USPGA Tour Championship and FedEx Cup bonus in dramatic ending

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lets out a roar after securing a massive pay day with his win at the PGA Tour Championship. Photo: EPA

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the FedExCup and TOUR Championship trophies after his victory over Ryan Moore with a birdie on the fourth extra hole during the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 25, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his approach shot on the fourth playoff hole during the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 25, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Sep 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Rory McIlroy takes a shot from a bunker on the eighteenth during regulation play in the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

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Northern Irishman rolls in a 14-foot birdie putt at the fourth hole of a sudden death play-off to edge Ryan Moore for the USPGA Tour Championship and claim the $10 million FedEx Cup play-off bonus
