What's happened
Rory McIlroy narrowly missed his first professional win on home soil at Royal County Down, finishing second to Rasmus Højgaard. McIlroy led by two shots with four holes to play but faltered with a bogey on the 17th and missed an eagle putt on the 18th, ending his hopes for a playoff.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Phil Casey from The Independent reported on McIlroy's disappointment, noting his struggles this year and the supportive atmosphere at Royal County Down. He stated, "Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year... Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon." The Guardian echoed this sentiment, highlighting McIlroy's missed opportunities and Højgaard's impressive finish, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament. Both sources illustrate the emotional weight of the event for McIlroy, who expressed hope for future success despite the setback.
How we got here
McIlroy entered the final round with a one-shot lead, aiming for his first victory in Northern Ireland. Despite a strong start, he faced challenges from Højgaard, who surged ahead with a remarkable finish, highlighting McIlroy's ongoing struggles in closing out tournaments.
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Rory McIlroy MBE is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is a member of both the European and PGA Tours. He is a former world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking, having spent over 100 weeks in that position during his career.
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