Rory McIlroy produced a sensational a final-hole eagle to force a play-off before defeating Joakim Lagergren in a remarkable finish to the Amgen Irish Open.
Lagergren overturned a four-stroke deficit during a thrilling Sunday at The K Club, where a stunning eagle at the par-five 16th and final-hole birdie closed a bogey-free 66 and set the clubhouse target at 17 under.
McIlroy also started four back and charged into contention with two long-range putts in his first five holes, helping him turn tied for the lead, with the world No 2 edging ahead with a birdie at the 13th but then finding himself two behind heading to the par-five last.
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McIlroy’s form with his putter looked ominously good as he made two long birdies on a tough stretch at The K Club
The Masters champion found the 18th green in two and drained a 30-foot eagle putt to force a play-off, sparking wild celebrations from the Irish crowd, with both players then posting two-putt birdies at the first two extra holes.
Lagergren found water with his approach into the third extra play-off hole and was unable to chip in with his fourth shot, as McIlroy lagged his eagle putt to tap-in range and claimed the birdie required to complete his first worldwide victory since April’s Grand Slam success at The Masters.
Final leaderboard from a remarkable Sunday at the Amgen Irish Open
More to follow…
What’s next?
The DP World Tour heads to Wentworth in Surrey next for the BMW PGA Championship, a Rolex Series event where 11 of Team Europe’s 12-man Ryder Cup side – including McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm – are all scheduled to feature.
There will be extended live coverage from all four tournament rounds of the DP World Tour’s Flagship Event, with Featured Groups live from 8.30am on Thursday ahead of full coverage from midday. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
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