Rory McIlroy’s despair in losing the Amgen Irish Open in excruciating scenes was reminiscent of his US Open defeat earlier this year and was felt by all of the home fans who swarmed across Royal County Down on Sunday.
When McIlroy was four clear on the front nine, they were certain that their hero was on his way to a second national title – and when he was still two clear with four to play their confidence remained sky-high.
But not only was the world No 3 pegged back by an inspired Rasmus Hojgaard, but he was actually overhauled in regulation. No doubt Hojgaard’s remarkable finish of four birdies in the last five holes was fully deserving of the £750,000 first prize, his 65 moving him up to nine-under.
But, again, just like in Pinehurst in June, it was a putting mistake that proved so costly for McIlroy. With the young Dane taking a one-shot advantage courtesy of a birdie on the 18th, McIlroy bogeyed from the middle of the 17th fairway, three-putting the green after charging his first attempt.
Two behind, it was surely over. However, McIlroy split the fairway on the par-five and then produced a brilliant approach from 191 yards that finished within 12 feet.
An eagle would have forced a play-off, but it slipped agonisingly by and as McIlroy buried his head in his hands, with thousands of his countryfolk filling the fairway in front of the green in scenes that reminded of Opens of yesteryear.
Credit to McIlroy for not replicating his reaction at North Carolina three months ago. This time he fronted up to the media. Despite having won three times this year, he eventually labelled himself “The Nearly Man” in the wake of the US Open – where he came so close to ending his 10-year drought in the majors – and he was just as honest on Sunday.
“Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year,” McIlroy said. “Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories. I felt like I was playing really solid, doing what I needed to do, making a lot of pars, making the odd birdie. Then obviously the two bogeys on 15 and 17 opened the door for someone to have a good finish like what Rasmus did there on the last few holes.”
McIlroy vowed to take the positives and to use this experience in his quest to win on home soil at The Open next year at nearby Royal Portrush. In 2019, when the played the major was last staged at the jewel of Northern Ireland, he missed the cut.
“From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it’s a step in the right direction, and, you know, if anything, this just whets my appetite even more for Portrush next year,” McIlroy said. “That roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool. 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.
“The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don’t take it for granted. I’ve had a great time being home. It’s been too long. Need to keep coming back more often. I certainly don’t take it for granted.”
Hojgaard enjoyed some good fortune in chipping in twice on the back nine – including from a greenside bunker on the 17th for a crucial birdie – but McIlroy should have birdied the eight and the ninth and was sloppy after that. “I felt like I was in control of the tournament for most of the day,” McIlroy said.
“I played well this week. Missing the green right on 15 was the place that you can’t go. And just misjudged the speed with the first putt on 17. Overall, really disappointed that I didn’t win but I’ll move on next week to Wentworth.”
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