“Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year.”
Rasmus Højgaard clinched victory at the Amgen Irish Open, overcoming Rory McIlroy in a dramatic final round at Royal County Down.
McIlroy, who held a one-shot lead entering Sunday, ultimately fell short by a single stroke, marking his second major disappointment in recent months.
Despite ideal weather conditions on Sunday, McIlroy’s promising start, which included consecutive birdies to reach -8, was overshadowed by a strong performance from Højgaard.
The Danish golfer delivered an impressive final round of 65, finishing at -9 to secure the title.
McIlroy, leading at -7 through 54 holes, extended his advantage early on and was in control for much of the day.
However, crucial misses on the greens and a bogey at the 15th allowed Højgaard to close the gap.
A birdie on the 16th by McIlroy briefly restored his lead, but Højgaard’s brilliant bunker play, capped by a birdie at the 17th, levelled the score.
Needing an eagle on the 18th to force a playoff, McIlroy’s final putt came up short, leaving Højgaard to lift the trophy at -9. McIlroy finished second at -8, despite leading for most of the tournament.
“Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year,” said McIlroy, reflecting on his second-placed finish.
“Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
His second-place finish, however, at least extends his lead in the Race to Dubai.
Elsewhere, Matteo Manassero, Daniel Brown, and Robert MacIntyre secured top-five finishes, while Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowd with a final round of 68 to finish tied for 12th.
Of the 11 Irish golfers in the field, five made the cut, including Seamus Power and Tom McKibbin.
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