Rory McIlroy described 2025 as “a pretty cool year” after clinching his second Irish Open title with a dramatic playoff win over Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren at Royal County Down. The world No 2, who completed the career grand slam at the Masters in April, added the home open to his list of achievements in a tense finale.
McIlroy forced the playoff with an eagle on the 72nd hole after Lagergren had produced a stunning eagle of his own at the 16th. The first two extra holes were tied with birdie fours before Lagergren found the water hazard on the third playoff hole, allowing McIlroy to win with two putts.
“I just feel so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people,” said McIlroy. “The support has been amazing all week. So happy I could play the way I did this week and get the win.” He added that the eagle at the 18th felt like “a little bit of redemption” after missing a putt to force a playoff at the same venue in 2024.
McIlroy and Lagergren were part of a five-way tie for the lead on 14 under when the final group turned for home. Angel Hidalgo, who shot a stunning 63 on Saturday, finished tied for third on 15 under with Rafa Cabrera Bello, whose challenge included a hole in one at the 3rd. Angel Ayora and third-round leader Adrien Saddier rounded out the top five.
Looking ahead, McIlroy said: “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 – 2025’s going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career.” He now turns his attention to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Ryder Cup at Bethpage later this month.
