Spectacular Eagle takes Rory McIlroy to Irish Open glory, continuing a brilliant year

Rory McIlroy seems to be a die-hard fan of dramatic and emotional contests. In the final round of the Irish Open 2025, he made tens of thousands of spectators hold their breath watching every shot, then the whole field exploded when his amazing 28-foot putt on the last hole earned an eagle, sending the match into a thrilling playoff.

At Ireland's famous K Club, McIlroy showed the mettle of a major champion, overcoming the courageous Swede Joakim Lagergren after three tense extra holes to lift the Irish Open trophy for the second time.

This is the first title since the historic moment at Augusta, where McIlroy donned the green jacket of The Masters to officially enter the legendary temple as the 6th golfer to complete the entire Grand Slam.

“I feel really lucky to be playing in front of these amazing people,” McIlroy choked up after 75 dramatic holes of golf. “The support from the crowd all week has been incredible.”

The win was all the more special as it came just three days after the village reception where McIlroy wore the Masters green jacket and all four major trophies to the Irish public for the first time.

“I thought it would be a memorable return, bringing back the blue jersey and all those titles. But the reality has exceeded all expectations. I am happy to have played a great match, dedicated to the audience and won right in my homeland,” he shared.

McIlroy received a standing ovation from his home crowd.

Dramatic victory

McIlroy was already famous for his "fairway metal" shots that helped him win the 2016 Irish Open, and this year, he continued to do that at K Club.

The turning point on the final day also came from a beautiful “fairway metal” shot on the par-5 16th hole from 261 yards that stopped the ball four feet from the flag, giving him an easy eagle.

Lagergren, who won last year's Irish Challenge at the South Course at K Club, also showed impressive form with many accurate shots throughout the final day.

But the "lifetime" eagle at the par-5 18th hole belonged to McIlroy.

“That was the Rory roar,” the commentators exclaimed as McIlroy successfully made a 28-foot putt for an eagle, sending the whole field into an erupting frenzy. He sent the match into a playoff with the same total score of -17 as Lagergren.

“I had a chance on the final green at the 2024 Irish Open at Royal County Down to pull Rasmus Hojgaard into a playoff, but that putt was a little off,” McIlroy recalled. “So this eagle was a relief. I wanted to hit it really aggressively, and the moment it dropped in was just amazing.”

On the first extra hole (the 542-yard par-5 18th), both Rory McIlroy and Joakim Lagergren got their balls on the green in just two shots, then narrowly missed an eagle. On the second extra hole, the story repeated itself: both golfers missed the eagle and putted for birdie from short distances.

The turning point came on the third extra hole. McIlroy looked to be at a disadvantage when he teed off into the rough, while Lagergren had a great advantage with a great ball position in the middle of the fairway. But in the decisive moment, the Swede took a risk, hitting the flagstick and dropping the ball into the water. McIlroy immediately seized the opportunity, putting the ball safely on the green and then two-putting for birdie to close out the playoff.

“The way the 18th hole was set up today, I think it was just a matter of who would make the first mistake,” McIlroy said. “I’m very happy to win my second Irish Open.”

McIlroy had a rocky start to the final round, starting four shots behind and bogeyed the opening hole. But he quickly bounced back with birdies at holes 2, 4, 5, 9 and 13, before finishing with a spectacular eagle at hole 18, a 28-foot putt that is considered one of the most memorable moments in golf in 2025.

A brilliant year

Victory at the K Club marked Rory McIlroy's second Irish Open title, having won his first in 2016. It also cemented his status as one of Irish golf's greatest icons.

McIlroy now owns his 45th international title and 20th DP World Tour title of his career. This is also McIlroy's 4th victory in 2025. Except for the overwhelming championship at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, all three remaining victories at The Players Championship (beating JJ Spaun), The Masters (beating Justin Rose) and now the Irish Open (beating Lagergren) have been decided by playoff. This shows the Northern Irish golfer's steely spirit and ability to overcome pressure.

“2025 is definitely one of the best years, if not the best year, of my career,” McIlroy said. “And it’s not over yet. Next week I have the BMW PGA at Wentworth and then the Ryder Cup. I feel like I’m playing really well and I’m excited about what’s next.”

At 36 years old, with a huge collection of titles, McIlroy is still full of desire to conquer. The Northern Irish golfer is very fond of the “National Open” tournaments. His year-end schedule also includes the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne in December. But first, the Irish Open championship right in his homeland will be celebrated with great enthusiasm.

“I feel very lucky, because in the world there are probably very few golfers who receive such enthusiastic support when they return to their homeland. Jon Rahm in Spain is the same. This is really great," McIlroy expressed. "I never take it for granted. I feel grateful and lucky. I love the feeling of coming back, love this atmosphere. Moments like this are the things you will remember forever when your career is over."