Rory McIlroy won his fourth tournament of the 2025 season on Sunday after an incredible finish at the Irish Open.
McIlroy headed into the final round at The K Club with a four-shot deficit and only had a slim chance to win the tournament.
It only took him a handful of holes to eliminate his deficit, but Joakim Lagergren assumed the lead late on with an excellent eagle on the 16th hole.
McIlroy then needed the eagle on the 18th to take him to a playoff, and he duly delivered in front of a 10-deep crowd around the green.
After three playoff holes, the Northern Irishman finally outlasted his opponent with a birdie to win his home open.
Lagergren commented on his playoff duel with McIlroy in his press conference after the final round at The K Club.
Joakim Lagergren reacts to Rory McIlroy’s victory at the Irish Open
Lagergren and McIlroy both started the final round on 11 under par and had plenty of work to do to make the playoff.
The Swede actually had the better opportunity to win on the second extra hole, but his chances faded when he found the water on the third.
He was understandably gutted to lose out on the Irish Open title after coming so close to doing something special that nobody expected.
“This is a tough one to swallow,” Lagergren told the media. “I really thought I had that out there today. Obviously, posting minus 17 going into the clubhouse could have been enough.
“Played really good in the playoff as well. Hit a solid 5-iron down on the last play, but it got a horrendous bounce. It’s a metre from being dead to the hole. So it’s tough.”
At least Lagergren can still take positives from his performance at The K Club. While he didn’t win, it’s rarely a bad thing to be on McIlroy’s level.
“Absolutely, yes,” he added. “It feels like I’m definitely back and playing at a level where I want to play. A top 10 last week and then losing in a playoff this week. So yeah, it feels like it’s trending.”
Paul McGinley praises Joakim Lagergren after the Irish Open
Four-time European Tour winner Paul McGinley had some kind words for Lagergren after his defeat to McIlroy at the Irish Open.
He’s optimistic that the 33-year-old has a future on the PGA Tour next season after emerging as a potential star.
“A word of great credit for Lagergren, as well,” McGinley said on Sky Sports. “He did fantastically well. And in the playoffs, he did fantastically well.
“Hopefully, that’s going to be a real springboard for his career. He showed a lot today, and hopefully we’re going to see more of it now.
“He’s in a great position to finish the season strongly and maybe get a card on the PGA Tour next year, and keep going forward.”
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