World number one Rory McIlroy has beaten 14-time major winner Tiger Woods by one shot at their one-on-one duel in China.
The one-off exhibition match at Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zhengzhou pitted the world’s top two players against one another, with McIlroy victorious by just the one stroke.
The Northern Irishman started well with two birdies on the first three holes and finished with a five-under 67, while Woods had two bogeys on his way to 68.
“We had a great match. It was a lot of fun, and I think everyone here enjoyed it. It’d be fun if we can do something like this again,” Woods said.
McIlroy admitted it was a close encounter as the rivalry between the pair continues to grow, with Woods hoping to return to his best after a few lean years since his personal problems became public.
McIlroy said: “It was pretty close. Tiger made a few birdies on the back nine, and I just tried to keep my nose in front and I was able to do that.”
