Rory McIlroy held his nerve in a dramatic play-off to win the Irish Open at the K Club, securing his first title since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April.
The world number two edged out Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren on the third extra hole to win his national title for a second time, nine years after his first triumph at the same County Kildare venue. It marked McIlroy’s fourth victory of the year and a perfect boost just three weeks before the Ryder Cup.
In a remarkable finish to the final round, McIlroy drained a 25-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole to match Lagergren’s six-under 66, sparking ecstatic scenes from the home crowd.
Both players birdied the first two play-off holes, but Lagergren found the water on the third, handing McIlroy the win and a moment of redemption after the heartbreak of Royal County Down last year when he missed an eagle putt to reach a play-off.
“I thought it was going to be a nice homecoming, obviously coming home with a green jacket and all that, but this has been absolutely incredible,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “This has exceeded all of my expectations. I’m just so, so happy I could play the way I did this week for all of them and get the win.”
It was also the third time McIlroy has prevailed in a play-off this season, following his victories at the Players Championship and the Masters. Reflecting on the eagle that forced extra holes, he said, “I hit it, and I wanted to just be aggressive with it. It was such a cool moment, such a cool feeling for that to go in. That gave me a chance in the play-off.”
Trailing overnight leader Adrien Saddier by four shots, McIlroy made a poor start with a bogey on the opening hole, but quickly bounced back with three birdies in his next four, sinking long putts on the second and fifth. He picked up further shots on the ninth and 13th, and while he missed a chance at the par-five 16th, his eagle on the final hole made up for it.
The final day developed into a tense five-way battle for the lead, with McIlroy joined by Lagergren, Saddier, Angel Hidalgo and Rafael Cabrera-Bello, who made a hole-in-one on the third hole.
Saddier faded with a closing 74, while Lagergren pushed ahead with birdies and a brilliant eagle on the 16th after a 266-yard approach to five feet. He then birdied the 18th to post the clubhouse lead.
Cabrera-Bello and Hidalgo fell short, but McIlroy’s late eagle delivered one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
The win gives McIlroy a timely return to form after a quiet end to his PGA Tour season, and with the Ryder Cup approaching, the Northern Irishman was full of optimism.
“To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year,” he said. “2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.”
McIlroy will next compete at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before joining his European team-mates in the Ryder Cup against the United States at Bethpage Black in New York.
“I’m just so happy my game’s in good shape. I feel like I’m playing well and I’m excited for what’s coming up,” he added.
The victory brings McIlroy’s tally to 45 professional wins and adds another chapter to what is already shaping up to be one of his most memorable seasons.
