Rory McIlroy suffers another late collapse at 2024 Amgen Irish Open ...
The Dane carded a clubhouse lead on nine under par after a superb 65 in relatively benign conditions
ANOTHER late collapse from Rory McIlroy saw Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard claim the 2024 Irish Open title.
It looked like plain sailing for the four-time major winner thru the turn at Royal County Down Golf Club this afternoon but it was the US Open all over again after some stunning late drama.
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The Holywood hotshot carded a birdie on the par 5 first hole before he followed that up with another on the second.
World number 3 McIlroy parred holes 3-6 prior to a bogey on 7 before parring 8 and 9.
In reality, he could have been home a dry after two relatively short missed putts on 8 and 9 as he made the turn in 34.
A further birdie for McIlroy on eleven would see him take his lead to two-strokes as he was odds on to claim a second Irish Open title.
But it was all drama on fifteen as he launched his second shot onto the green but it couldn't hold on as it rolled off into a waste area.
McIlroy then over cooked his chip well past the hole to ultimately drop a shot as he two putted.
Italy's Matteo Manassero would par the hole to remain just one-stroke behind the Down native with just three holes to play.
While a hole ahead, Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard would birdie the short par 4 16th to tie the lead on seven under par.
35-year-old McIlroy blew hard before his tee shot on 16 as he pumped his three wood just short of the green, and held his nerve to birdie the 330-yard hole.
A hole ahead, Hojgaard would hole out a superb bunker shot to take the draw level on -8 in spectacular fashion in back and forth finish at the stunning links track.
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The 23-year-old Dane was in trouble off the tee on 18 as he pushed his drive right on the par 5 last.
But a remarkable recovery shot saw him plant it just off the green as he two putted for a birdie to take the clubhouse lead on nine under after a superb 65.
A hole behind, McIlroy rammed a 24-foot birdie putt well past the hole before missing the follow up from 12-feet to drop two behind with one to play.
The five-time Race to Dubai winner needed an eagle on the last to force a playoff, and the drama wasn't over as he slammed the ball to 10ft for a last-gasp chance to force extra-holes.
But it wasn't to be for the hometown hero as he pushed his putt to the right as the Danish star celebrated in the clubhouse.
McIlroy finished a stroke behind to end another high profile event in second place on -8 in front of thousands of disappointed Irish fans.
The win is huge for the Dane as he now joins his twin brother Nicolai on the PGA Tour after sealing his status with today's victory.
In June, 35-year-old McIlroy's 10-year wait for a fifth Major title continued after he collapsed at Pinehurst No. 2.
The Holywood man was neck-and-neck with eventual champion Bryson DeChambeau before missing short putts on 16 and 18.
The American would capitalise to win the day, with McIlroy left watching on from the scoring room.
