Golf: Rory McIlroy wins Arnold Palmer Invitational, another top for for Tiger Woods

Rory McIlroy. Photo / AP

Rory McIlroy has ended an 18-month winless drought with a stunning victory at the US PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

On Sunday, four-time major winner McIlroy blitzed the elite field at Orlando's famed Bay Hill course with a final round eight-under-par 64.

The Northern Irishman's 18-under total left him three shots clear of runner up Bryson DeChambeau (68), while in-form Englishman Justin Rose (67) was third at 14 under.

McIlroy's 14th US Tour win is his first victory worldwide since claiming the Tour Championship on September 25, 2016 - the day legendary golfer Palmer died aged 87. The 28-year-old McIlroy stormed home with four straight birdies starting at the 13th and highlighted by a chip-in from off the green at the par-4 15th.

He then drained a 24-foot birdie putt at the 18th before and emotional celebration.

"I've kept saying the last few weeks, I wasn't far away ... it's so nice to see everything come together, finally," McIlroy said.

"I've worked hard on everything, not just my putting but my ball-striking and iron play."

A host of big names threw their hat into the ring during a thrilling final day, with overnight leader Henrik Stenson carding a spirited 71 to finish fourth at 13 under.

Eight-time Bay Hill winner Tiger Woods delighted enormous crowds when he pulled within one of the lead courtesy of three back-nine birdies, but faded with two bogeys to finish at 10 under.

The 14-time major winner iced his last tournament before the Masters with 69 to earn a second top-five finish in as many weeks.