Rory McIlroy beat Joakim Lagergren in a three-hole playoff to win the Irish Open on Sunday afternoon.
The Northern Irishman needed an eagle on the 72nd hole of the tournament to tie Lagergren, and he made it in front of a huge crowd at The K Club.
Both players birdied the first and second playoff holes before McIlroy eventually won the title with a third consecutive four on the par-five 18th.
It will go down as one of the most entertaining endings to an event this season, bettered only by McIlroy’s Masters victory and a select few others.
European Tour winner Paul McGinley is now convinced that McIlroy proved something with his win at the Irish Open.
Rory McIlroy proves he’s ‘box office’ at the Irish Open
McIlroy had already earned a reputation as the biggest name in professional golf, and probably the most exciting to watch.
While everyone can appreciate Scottie Scheffler’s composure and consistency, McIlroy makes for better television because he is so unpredictable.
Well, he produced his absolute best golf when it mattered most at the Irish Open, proving to McGinley once and for all that he is “box office.”
“If anyone did not think Rory McIlroy was ever box office, he has just confirmed it,” the Sky Sports pundit said. “The way he finished there, the crowd reaction, and right into the play-off.
“It was just brilliant, just amazing. What a great day for Ireland. A great day for Rory. A great day for the Irish Open and a great day for the DP World Tour.
“These pictures will be screened around the world, and the noise level and excitement of Rory having to come to the last and make an eagle to get to the playoff.”
Luke Donald will be pleased about Rory McIlroy’s victory
McGinley thinks McIlroy’s victory at the Irish Open is not only good for him but also the European Ryder Cup team.
Europe captain Luke Donald, who missed the cut at The K Club, would surely have watched McIlroy’s epic playoff showdown with a smile on his face.
“Luke Donald will be thrilled, and so will Rory,” McGinley continued. “He has been quiet the last few weeks on the PGA Tour. He had a bit of a break and came over here, and he was looking for a bit of form this week and next.
“He has found it. Every day, you could see he was getting back into form. He was driving the ball better, his iron play was better, and his putting was particularly strong. It was one bogey in the last three rounds, which is impressive around The K Club.
“He is trending. His game is in the right place. Not just for next week, but the big one at the Ryder Cup. And everybody behind the scenes, and Luke Donald will be looking for, even Shane Lowry finishing 15th.
“He’s found a new driver. Didn’t putt well this week, but again it’s a good nudge in the right direction. He will be looking for more of that next week when we go to next week.”
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