Players Championship: Rory McIlroy taking inspiration from 2019 fightback for golf's 'fifth major'

Rory McIlroy is prone to casting his mind back to the Players Championship of 2019 when he finds himself under pressure in a tournament.

Five years ago, the Northern Irishman’s challenge appeared to be falling apart, following a bogey on the 14th hole of his final round and with late charges by the likes of Jim Furyk, Eddie Pepperell and Jhonattan Vegas.

But birdies on two of the last four holes — one of the most punishing finale’s in the world — were enough to add his name to a golfing who’s who of winners.

“I think with the one-shot lead, the way I played the 18th hole on Sunday, any time I’m under pressure