Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy is no stranger to heartbreaks on the golf course, especially this year. After losing the US Open in a close call, he met with a similar fate at the recently concluded 2024 Irish Open.
McIlroy was playing before his domestic swarm at the Illustrious Province Down Golf is Championship Course in Northern Ireland. He looked exceptionally much in dispute to secure the title, and it would have been nothing less than a fable had he pulled it off. Shockingly, the triumph was not in his cards, as he misplaced to Danish golfer Rasmus Hojgaard by one shot.
Rory McIlroy had gone into the ultimate circular on Sunday with a one-shot lead over Matteo Mannassero. His lead extended to four within the early hours of the circular. Be that as it may, two intruder on his portion cut the amusement wide open for Hojgaard. The Dane, on his portion, capitalized on the opportunity with four birdies on the final five gaps.
Not losing trust, the swarm favorite, McIlroy, endeavored an eagle with a amazing press shot from the fairway. Be that as it may, the coming about putt barely missed the gap. This was the 35-year-old’s moment close-call misfortune this year after losing to Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open in June.
In a post-match press meet, a unmistakably disturbed McIlroy talked almost his mishap this year.
“I am getting utilized to it tragically this year. Ideally the tide’s gonna turn pretty soon and I can turn all these near calls into triumphs,”
The 5-time major winner too reflected on his gameplay and how the scales all of a sudden tipped in Rasmus Hojgaard’s favor.
“I felt like I was in control of the competition for most of the day. I felt I was playing truly strong and doing what I required to do. Making a parcel of pars, making the odd birdie. At that point clearly the two intruder on 15 and 17 opened the door for somebody to have a great wrap up like what Rasmus did on the final few gaps. Lost the green right on 15 is the put you can’t go and after that I just misjudged the pace with the primary putt on 17,”
He further added:
“Overall obviously really disappointed that I didn’t win but I’ll try to take the positives and move on next week to Wentworth,”
McIlroy will next be seen at the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water, Surrey, England.
“I certainly don’t take it for granted,” – Rory McIlroy on the crowd support at the 2024 Irish Open
Rory McIlroy at the 2024 Irish Open (Source: Getty)
Before the 2024 Irish Open even commenced, it was a no-brainer to guess who the entire crowd would be rooting for. The Royal County Down Course in Northern Ireland was the home turf of world no. 3 Rory McIlroy.
And the love the spectators had for him showed, as they cheered him on throughout the tournament. Although McIlroy suffered a heartbreaking loss to Danish counterpart Rasmus Hojgaard, he didn’t forget to appreciate the crowd’s support in a post-match interview.
“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,”
He further added:
“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,”
However, all things considered, this may not be the last time Rory McIlroy will get to play an iconic tournament in front of his countrymen. The 2025 Open Championship will be held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. He talked about it:
“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,”
Winning the Open Championship on his home ground would certainly be a much-needed redemption arc for Rory McIlroy.
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