Rory McIlroy enjoyed “a pretty great year” after adding a second Irish Open title to his Masters victory. The world number 2 completed the career Grand Slam with the April victory in Augusta and expanded it by winning his national tournament for the second time, after an exciting victory in the tiebreaker against Joakim Lagergren. McIlroy had to eagle on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, after Lagergren made an impressive eagle on the 16th hole. After tying on the first and second playoff holes with birdies, Lagergren found the water hazard on the third occasion, which allowed McIlroy to win with two putts.
McIlroy, who also triumphed at this event in the same place in 2016, added: “I had a putt last year at Royal County Down to force a playoff with Rasmus Højgaard and it just missed on the high side, so I felt like (the eagle on the 18th hole) was a bit of redemption.” “I wanted to be aggressive with him, a very cool feeling, a cool moment to come in, and that gave me a chance in the tiebreaker.” “I felt it was a question of who would blink first. Joakim hit a poor second shot on that playoff hole and that opened the door for me, and I’m very happy to win my second Irish Open.” With the Ryder Cup looming at Bethpage later this month, McIlroy said: “Doing what I did earlier in the year and then going back home and winning my national Open, no matter what happens the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year, 2025 is going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career.” “But we’re not done yet, I have a big week next week at Wentworth (the BMW PGA Championship) and then, obviously, everyone is looking forward to the Ryder Cup.” McIlroy and Lagergren had tied for the lead at 14 under par when the final group turned the corner on Sunday. Angel Hidalgo, second after the impressive round of 63 on Saturday, finished tied for third place at 15 under par along with Rafa Cabrera Bello, who boosted his challenge with a hole-in-one on the third. A third Spaniard, Angel Ayora, was fifth alongside the leader of the third round, Adrien Saddier.I just feel very fortunate to be able to do this in front of these people. The support has been incredible all week. I’m so happy that I was able to play the way I did this week and get the win.
Rory McIlroy
