‘The Toughest Day Of My Career But I’m Getting Used To It,’ says Rory McIlroy as He’s Denied Career First With Heartbreaking Irish Loss

Rory McIlroy’s long wait for a win on home soil continues as Rasmus Hojgaard surged to victory in a dramatic final day of the Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club, McIlroy’s birthplace.

Leading into the final round, McIlroy looked poised to break his winless streak in Northern Ireland. His strong start on Sunday had fans hopeful, but the back nine proved costly. A pair of bogeys allowed Hojgaard to close the gap, and when McIlroy bogeyed the 17th, his chances slipped away.

Needing an eagle on the final hole to force a playoff, McIlroy’s putt fell just short, leaving the crowd and the golfer heartbroken once again. This marks McIlroy’s second tough loss of 2024, following his near-win at the U.S. Open.

Reflecting on the disappointment, McIlroy said, “Unfortunately, I’m getting used to it this year. Hopefully, the tide will turn soon, and I can convert these close calls into victories.”

Hojgaard, on the other hand, delivered an impressive finish, claiming birdies in four of his last five holes to secure his fifth DP World Tour title. The 23-year-old is now the second Dane to win the Irish Open, following in the footsteps of Soren Kjeldsen.

Despite the setback, McIlroy remains optimistic, with his sights set on future challenges: “If anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush next year.”