Rory McIlroy sunk a sensational final-hole eagle on his way to defeating Joakim Lagergren in a dramatic play-off to claim the Amgen Irish Open title.
The Grand Slam winner entered the final round at the K Club four shots behind overnight leader Adrien Saddier and his chances were dented early into the day thanks to a dropped shot at the first. But the Northern Irishman fought back into the running with three birdies in the next four holes.
In what was a tightly-contested event, McIlroy briefly found himself in a five-way share of the lead around the midway stage alongside Saddier, Lagergren, Angel Hidalgo, and Rafael Cabrera-Bello. However, the World No. 2 found himself two behind after Lagergren birdied the last to set the target for the chasers. Where the rest faltered, McIlroy held his nerve to sink a sublime 30-foot eagle putt to force the play-off.
The duo returned for the play-off and both couldn’t be separated after the first two holes, but McIlroy eventually came out on top at the third attempt when Lagergren found water which cost the Swede as McIlroy secured his fourth triumph of the season and first since the Masters in April.
“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 said speaking to 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.”
A final-round 67 saw Cabrera-Bello finish in a share for third alongside fellow countryman Hidalgo, while another Spaniard, Angel Ayora also carded a 67 on the final day to finish in a tie for fifth alongside third round leader Saddier who faded in the back nine to card a final-round 74.
What is the next event?
The next event in the DP World Tour Schedule is the BMW PGA Championship taking place between 11-14 September at Wentworth Club, England.