Rory McIlroy wins Irish Open for second time

Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy defeated Sweden's Joakim Lagergren on the third playoff hole to win the Amgen Irish Open on Sunday at The K Club in Straffan, Ireland.

It marked McIlroy's first victory since the Masters in April, when he broke a 10-year-plus major championship drought and completed the career Grand Slam.

It was also McIlroy's second time winning Ireland's national open, following the 2016 edition that also was held at The K Club.

"I just feel so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people, the support has been amazing all week," McIlroy said. "So happy I could play the way I did this week and get the win."

McIlroy, 36, and Lagregen started the day four shots behind France's Adrien Saddler, but McIlroy and Lagregen were part of a five-way tie for first heading into the back nine on Sunday. Lagergren took pole position by eagling the par-5 16th hole to shoot a round of 66 and turn in a four-round score of 17-under-par 271.

McIlroy answered by making a 28-foot eagle putt at No. 18 to tie Lagergren with a 66 of his own.

They replayed No. 18 and turned in matching birdies the first two times through. On the third go, Lagergren landed a shot in the water while McIlroy barely cleared the danger, setting himself up for two putts to win the playoff and the title.

"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 -- 2025's going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career," McIlroy said.

McIlroy has played on the DP World Tour since the PGA Tour season ended, with an eye on staying in form for the Ryder Cup later this month at Bethpage Black. He will try to help Team Europe win back-to-back Cups over the Americans.

Spaniards Rafa Cabrera Bello (67) and Angel Hidalgo (71) tied for third at 15 under. Angel Ayora of Spain (67) and Saddier (74) tied for fifth at 13 under.

--Field Level Media