DUBLIN, IRELAND — Rory McIlroy has won his second Irish Open title in a dramatic playoff, securing his first tournament victory since his Masters triumph in April. The world No. 2 defeated Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren on Sunday at the K Club after an intense battle that went to three extra holes.
A Dramatic Playoff Finish
The final round was a rollercoaster of clutch shots. McIlroy had to produce an incredible eagle at the 72nd hole just to force a playoff, a move prompted by a remarkable eagle of his own from Lagergren at the 16th. The first two playoff holes were tightly contested, with both players carding birdie fours. The deciding moment came on the third extra hole when Lagergren found the water, giving McIlroy the opportunity to win with two putts.
“I just feel so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people,” McIlroy said to Super Sport. “The support has been amazing all week. So happy I could play the way I did this week and get the win.”
For Lagergren, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. “This is a tough one to swallow,” he said. “I really thought I had that out there today. Obviously posting minus 17 going into the clubhouse, could have been enough.”
Career Milestones
The victory is McIlroy’s second Irish Open title, coming nine years after his first. It caps an incredible year for the 36-year-old, who became just the sixth man in history to complete a career Grand Slam of major titles following his Masters triumph at Augusta National in April.
“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,” McIlroy said. “2025’s going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career.”
Looking Ahead to the Ryder Cup
The win is the perfect tune-up for McIlroy, who will be leading Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black later this month. Europe won the last event against the United States in Rome two years ago. McIlroy is optimistic about the remainder of his season, saying, “we’re not finished yet, I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth (BMW PGA Championship) and then obviously everybody’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup.”
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