Rory McIlroy produced another unforgettable chapter in his career on Sunday, defeating Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren in a tense play-off to win the 2025 Amgen Irish Open at The K Club, his second triumph at the venue after victory in 2016.
The four-time major champion, already riding high from his Masters triumph in April that completed the career Grand Slam, thrilled home fans with a trademark moment of brilliance. Trailing by two shots as Lagergren eagled the par-five 16th, McIlroy needed something special at the 18th. He delivered: a towering approach followed by a nerveless 28-foot eagle putt to tie the lead and force extra holes.
“I just feel so lucky I get to do this in front of these people,” McIlroy said, saluting the raucous galleries that lined every fairway. “The support has been amazing all week. To come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens the rest of the year, that makes 2025 pretty special.”
The play-off showcased both nerve and resilience. On their first trip down the 18th, both players narrowly missed eagle chances and matched birdies. On the second, McIlroy’s approach barely cleared the water but again set up birdie. Finally, on the third playoff hole, Lagergren faltered by finding the water hazard, leaving McIlroy two putts for the win, and he needed only one.
“It just felt like it was who was going to blink first,” McIlroy reflected. “Last year at Royal County Down I had a chance to force a play-off and missed, so this was a little bit of redemption. To roll that putt in today was such a cool moment.”
The victory marks another milestone in what McIlroy himself called one of the best seasons of his career. After securing the Masters in April and lifting the Irish Open trophy at home in September, he now turns his attention to Wentworth and the Ryder Cup.
“2025’s shaping up to be one of the best, if not the best, years of my career,” he said. “But we’re not finished yet.”
While Spanish trio Rafa Cabrera Bello, Angel Hidalgo, and Angel Ayora rounded out the top five, Cabrera Bello even holing a spectacular ace on the par-three third, the day belonged to McIlroy. Even an opening bogey and a crowded leaderboard could not derail him. With clutch putts from long range, steely composure under pressure, and a champion’s flair for the dramatic, McIlroy once again made the Irish Open his stage.
