Joakim Lagergren reveals devastation after missing out on Irish Open glory to Rory McIlroy

WATCH NOW: Rory McIlroy makes young fan's day by handing her golf ball

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 07/09/2025

- 19:06

The Swede ultimately came up short on Sunday

Joakim Lagergren has admitted he's devastated after missing out on Irish Open glory to Rory McIlroy on Sunday.

After both players finished on -17, they were forced to do battle in a tense play-off to decide the winner.


In the end it was McIlroy who reigned supreme, with the Briton scooping his first title since his historic Masters triumph at Augusta back in April.

The Northern Irishman was jubilant after his win, cutting an emotional figure after etching his name into the history books once again.

Joakim Lagergren

Joakim Lagergren has admitted he's devastated after missing out on Irish Open glory to Rory McIlroy on Sunday

|

GETTY

But Lagergren has admitted that he's sad he wasn't able to beat McIlroy, insisting he'd done everything he could.

"This is a tough one to swallow," he admitted.

"I really thought I had that out there today. Obviously posting minus 17 going into the clubhouse, could might as well been enough.

JUST IN: Rory McIlroy reveals astonishment after scooping huge prize money with Irish Open triumph

"I played really good in the playoff as well. Hit a solid 5-iron down on the last play, but it got a horrendous bounce.

"It's a metre from being dead to the hole. So it's tough."

He was, however, pleased with his performances over the past four days and believes he's on an upwards trajectory.

**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**

Joakim Lagergren

Joakim Lagergren pushed Rory McIlroy all the way at the Irish Open

|

GETTY

"Absolutely, yes," he said when asked whether he's made progress.

"It feels like I'm definitely back and playing at a level where I want to play.

"A top 10 last week and then losing in play-off this week. So yeah, it feels like it's trending."

McIlroy, meanwhile, expressed his delight.

"Moments like this, this is what you're going to remember after your career is over," he said.

"I feel so fortunate because there are few golfers who get the support I get when they go home. Maybe Jon Rahm in Spain, there's maybe a few others but this is absolutely incredible.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Joakim Lagergren

Joakim Lagergren is pleased with the progress he's made after coming up short at the Irish Open

|

GETTY

"I don't take it for granted. I feel very lucky that I get to do this and I can't wait to celebrate tonight."

He added: “Look, I feel just too lucky that I get to do this in front of these people. The support has been absolutely amazing all week.

"I thought it was going to be nice coming home with a Green Jacket, but this has exceeded all expectations.”