Rory McIlroy secured his second Irish Open championship yesterday in spectacular fashion, holing an eagle on the final regulation hole to force a play-off against Sweden's Joakim Lagergren.
The Northern Irishman's dramatic finish at the K Club came in response to Lagergren's own eagle at the 16th hole.
The world number two prevailed after three extra holes when his opponent's approach shot found water, enabling McIlroy to claim victory with a two-putt par.
The triumph marks his second Irish Open title at the same venue, having previously won there in 2016.
Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open in dramatic circumstances on Sunday
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The initial two play-off holes saw both players card birdie fours before the decisive moment arrived on their third attempt at the 18th.
When Lagergren's second shot landed in the water hazard, the door opened for McIlroy to secure the title.
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"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 afterwards.
He described the eagle putt as redemption for narrowly missing a similar opportunity to force a play-off at Royal County Down last year.
"I wanted to be aggressive with it – such a cool feeling, cool moment for that to go in," he added.
Rory McIlroy has admitted he has had an incredible year after winning The Masters and the Irish Open
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This latest victory represents another milestone in what McIlroy considers an exceptional season.
The 36-year-old achieved golf's ultimate accomplishment in April when he captured the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, completing the career grand slam.
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"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," McIlroy reflected.
He went further, suggesting that 2025 could rank as the finest campaign of his professional career.
The combination of his long-awaited Masters breakthrough and yesterday's emotional home victory has elevated this season to historic status for the four-time major champion.
Rory McIlroy was emotional after finally winning the Masters back in April | REUTERSDespite his remarkable achievements this year, McIlroy emphasised that his season remains unfinished.
The Northern Irishman will compete at next week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before turning his attention to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage later this month.
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"But we're not finished yet, I've got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everybody's looking forward to the Ryder Cup," McIlroy said.
The biennial contest against the United States represents another opportunity for McIlroy to cap what he acknowledges could become "one of the best, if not the best" years of his golfing career.