Rory McIlroy makes honest admission after latest near miss

It looked for so much of Sunday that Rory McIlroy would win the Amgen Irish Open.

The Northern Irishman held a four-shot lead in Sunday’s final round but was denied by a late comeback from Rasmus Hojgaard.

McIlroy, 35, who needed eagle on the last at Royal County Down to match Hojgaard’s nine-under total, saw his putt for a three slip by.

“Unfortunately, I’m getting used to it this year,” a downbeat McIlroy said. “Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.”

It’s after McIlroy passed up golden opportunities to win the US Open in June and a gold medal at the Olympics in August.

He was met with unwavering support in front of his home fans but admitted dropped shots cost him in a bid for a fairytale win.

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“Felt like I was in control of the tournament for most of the day,” he said. “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.

“Obviously really disappointed that I didn’t win, but I’ll try to take the positives and move on next week to Wentworth.”

If there is one place McIlroy could make up for the defeat, it’s Royal Portrush.

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The Open heads to County Antrim next year for only the third time and the four-time major champion is hopeful he can grab a fifth.

“I’ve had a great time being home,” McIlroy added. “It’s been too long. Need to keep coming back more often.

“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 next year.”

McIlroy is quickly back in action at this week’s BMW PGA Championship.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.