McIlroy Delivers Green Jacket Encore with Irish Open Glory
Northern Irishman thrills home crowd with first European win since Masters triumph
Las Vegas - Rory McIlroy gave Irish fans a finish to savour at the K Club, birdieing the third play-off hole to defeat Joakim Lagergren and lift his second Amgen Irish Open title.
The five-time Major champion forced extra holes with a 28-foot eagle putt on the 72nd, matching Lagergren at 17 under. Both men traded birdies on the opening two play-off holes before the Swede found water on the third, handing McIlroy the chance to seal victory with two putts.
“I feel just so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people,” McIlroy said. “The support has been absolutely amazing all week. This has exceeded all of my expectations.”
The win marked McIlroy’s first success in Europe since his historic Masters triumph in April. It also echoed his 2016 victory at the same venue, lifting his DP World Tour tally to 20 titles. Spaniards Rafa Cabrera Bello and Angel Hidalgo shared third, with Cabrera Bello providing an early highlight by acing the par-three third.
Reflecting on his season, McIlroy added: “To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my National Open, no matter what happens, that’s a pretty cool year. 2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.”