‘I’m getting used to it’ – McIlroy denied career first with heartbreaking loss
Rory McIlroy squandered the opportunity to win on home soil for the first time as Rasmus Hojgaard claimed victory in the Irish Open.
This year’s competition was held at the Royal County Down Golf Club, the same county in which McIlroy was born in.
He led the scoring heading into the fourth and final day and proved strong in his opening holes on Sunday.
However, his performance late on in the back nine proved costly for McIlroy as he hit two bogeys whilst Hojgaard made ground.
The former was ahead by two shots on the final four holes but hit a bogey on the 17th as the latter caught up.
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McIlroy needed to eagle on the final hole to force a play-off, and it just wasn’t to be as his putt drifted wide.
It means he is still yet to secure a professional win in Northern Ireland and has suffered heartbreak for a second time in 2024.
McIlroy led the US Open with five holes to play in June but lost out to Bryson DeChambeau and extend his wait for a major to ten years.
He admitted the following day that it was ‘probably the toughest’ day of his career in golf.
“Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year,” a disappointed McIlroy said after Sunday’s heartahce.
“Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.
“I must say, that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool. The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don’t take it for granted.
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“I had to try to keep my composure walking up to the 18th green there. Wish I could play in front of those fans and this atmosphere every week.
“From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it’s a step in the right direction. You know, if anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush [the Open Championship] next year.”
Hojgaard’s form was much more impressive on Sunday afternoon as he claimed birdies in four of his last five holes.
Victory sealed the 23-year-old’s fifth DP World Tour title and he is the second Dane to win the Irish Open since Soren Kjeldsen.