Rory McIlroy wins Irish Open after forcing play-off with stunning eagle on 18th
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Rory McIlroy playing his shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the Tour Championship golf tournament on Aug 23 in Atlanta, Georgia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DUBLIN – Rory McIlroy sank an incredible eagle putt from nearly 30 feet on the final hole to force a play-off with Joakim Lagergren, before beating the Swede on the third extra hole to win the Irish Open for a second time on Sept 7.
World No. 2 and Masters champion McIlroy was staring down the barrel when Lagergren returned to the clubhouse after shooting a six-under 66, knowing only an eagle on the par-five 18th would keep his hopes alive and the Northern Irish golfer did not disappoint.
“Get in the hole,” yelled the crowd after the Northern Irishman played his shot, and as they held their breath, the ball rolled in before they erupted as one with chants of “Rory! Rory!”
Both golfers birdied the first two holes in the play-off but there was more drama on the third where McIlroy missed the fairway with his drive, while his Swedish rival’s ball bounced cruelly off the green and splashed into the water.
Ultimately, Lagergren could only manage par as McIlroy finished with a birdie, sending the crowd into raptures as the 36-year-old won the Irish Open again after his first victory in 2016.
Both McIlroy and Lagergren shot 66s at the K Club in Kildare to finish on 17-under 271.
“I feel just so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people. The support has been absolutely amazing all week,” said McIlroy, who started the final round four shots back of overnight leader Adrien Saddier, who ended tied-fifth on 275 after a two-over 74.
“I thought it was going to be nice coming home with a Green Jacket, but this has exceeded all expectations.
“I love coming home. I love playing in this atmosphere. Moments like this, these are the things you’re going to remember well after your career is over. This is a really special day.”
For the 33-year-old Swede, the loss was a tough one to swallow as he failed in the bid for a second European Tour win.
“I really thought I had that out there today,” he said. “I played really good in the play-off as well. Hit a solid five-iron down on the last play, but it got a horrendous bounce. It’s a metre from being dead to the hole. So it’s tough.”
Angel Hidalgo carded a 71 to finish in a tie for third on 273 with Spanish compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello, who shot up the leaderboard following a hole-in-one at the third in his round of 67.
McIlroy’s victory also provides perfect momentum ahead of the Ryder Cup where Europe will be defending their crown against the Americans at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, later in September.
An elated McIlroy added: “2025’s going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career.
“But we’re not finished yet, I’ve got a big week next week at (the BMW PGA Championship at) Wentworth and then obviously everybody’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup.” REUTERS
