( CNN ) -- Rory McIlroy salvaged his `` frustrating year '' with a dramatic victory in the Australian Open Sunday to shatter Adam Scott 's hopes of completing his domestic triple crown . World No.2 Scott was bidding to match Robert Allenby 's 2005 feat of winning the Australian PGA , Australian Masters and Australian Open crowns in the same season , but instead McIlroy took advantage of some late lapses to capture his only title of 2013 . The Northern Irishman rolled home a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole to complete a final round of six-under 66 for 18-under 270 . It left him a shot clear of Scott , who had led since carding a course record 62 at Royal Sydney on the first day . McIlroy , who has been blighted by problems both on and of the course , could scarcely believe his good fortune , but it was reward for dogged play having started the final round four shots behind Scott . `` I 'm really pleased but since September I 've just felt in a better place mentally with some of the things off the course , '' he told gathered reporters . McIlroy , who has changed his management team , which now includes his father Gerry , showed promise of better things to come with his sixth place finish in the WGC-HSBC Champions event in China and tied fifth in the World Tour Championship in Dubai . Having started 2013 in top spot , he has slipped to sixth in the rankings with a previous best finish of second in the Texas Open and disappointing displays in the four majors . `` It 's been a frustrating year , '' he admitted . `` I 've worked hard to win golf tournaments and it 's really nice to do it today . '' U.S. Masters champion Scott looked a heavy favorite to finish the season on a historic high , but was let down by his putter . `` It was always going to be a tough day and Rory made his move and I just could n't knock in the putts you expect to make , '' he said . Scott might have moved two clear of McIlroy but he three putted the 16th and lipped out a birdie effort on the 17th . Still leading by a shot playing the last , Scott 's approach went past the flag and a poor chip left him a 40 footer for par , which he missed , leaving the door open for two-time major winner McIlroy . Australia 's John Senden shot a final day 66 to claim third spot , seven shots adrift . But he secured one of three 2014 British Open Championship qualifying spots on offer this week , with the others claimed by compatriots Bryden Macpherson and Rhein Gibson . Meanwhile on the European Tour , former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel won the Alfred Dunhill Championship for the second straight year . The South African finished four shots clear of Englishman Richard Finch at Leopard Creek to delight the home galleries .
Rory McIlroy wins Australian Open by one shot . Overhauls overnight leader Adam Scott . Scott misses out on Australian 'triple crown ' First victory of 2013 for McIlroy .