There was yet more heartbreak this year for Rory McIlroy as he was inches away from heading into a play-off at the Irish Open at Royal County Down.
The Irishman had gone into the final round with a one shot lead after a third round score of 69. He would build on that lead as he got underway in his final round as two birdies in the first two holes put in three ahead of the field.
However an absolutely fantastic round from Rasmus Højgaard put the pressure on Rory as the Dane shot a final round of 65 which included a -6 back nine.
The strong finish gave Højgaard a two shot lead as Rory went into the final hole as McIlory three putted and bogeyed the par 4 17th hole. It meant that Rory had the tough task of eagling the par 5 18th but after a stellar tee shot Rory gave himself a real shot at heading to a play off after his iron shot left him close to the hole.
Speaking to reporters after his round, McIlroy knew exactly what was needed heading down 18:
I saw when I missed the second putt on 17 that Rasmus had got a birdie to move to 9 (Under), I knew what I needed to do on the 18th tee.
However as seems to be a constant story for McIlroy he fell short at the final hurdle as his putt would agonisingly miss the hole by inches.
Good god.
Rory McIlroy was THIS close to an eagle on 18 to force a playoff after squandering a two shot lead at the Irish Open in his own county.
Too much heartache 💔 pic.twitter.com/MamcSVNRdS
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 15, 2024
He also commented on his season to date and the feeling of yet another near miss:
Unfortunately I'm getting used to it this year. Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.
But overall, the world number 3 can take the positives from another successful week under his belt with a brilliant home crowd supporting him throughout:
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.
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.
