Golf: McIlroy wins match play final

Rory McIlroy beat American Gary Woodland 4&2. Photo / AP

World No.1 Rory McIlroy has solidified his place at the top of golf with an impressive 4&2 win over American Gary Woodland in the World Golf Championships Match Play Final in San Francisco.

McIlroy registered a perfect 7-0 record over the five days, taking out Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker, and Billy Horschel in pool play before claiming sudden death wins against Hideki Matsuyama, Paul Casey, Jim Furyk and Woodland.

It is his 10th US PGA tour win and second WGC title to go with a further seven international victories.

Just a day away from his 26th birthday, the Northern Irishman becomes the second person to win the event as the top seed, joining Tiger Woods who did so in 2003, 2004 and 2008.

In control with a 4-up lead through 10 holes, McIlroy invited a Woodland comeback by losing the 11th and 12th holes to halve his advantage.

It should have been three straight losses but Woodland missed a three-foot putt with a chance to win the 13th hole, a costly mistake.

The American then three-putted the 14th green to hand the ascendancy right back to the Northern Irishman and he closed it out on the 16th green when Woodland conceded after failing to make a birdie.

Earlier on Sunday, McIlroy had seen off Casey in a darkness-delayed quarter-final, making birdie on their first resumed hole to win in 22 holes.

He then took out Furyk by making birdie on the 17th to tie up their semi-final and moved into the final by making a dramatic 44-foot eagle on the 18th green.

Woodland earned his place with a 3&2 win over England's Danny Willett.

Willett had some good news, claiming the third place match 3&2 from Furyk.

John Senden was the best-placed Australian in a tie for fifth after losing his quarter-final to Woodland on Saturday.

-AAP