Rory McIlroy wins Irish Open after epic eagle forces thrilling play-off

McIlroy forced the playoff with an eagle on the 18th. 

Rory McIlroy has won his second Irish Open, adding to his victory in 2016. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Rory McIlroy claimed the Amgen Irish Open title for the second time on Sunday on a dramatic final day at The K Club that saw the Masters champion edge a tense play-off with Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren.

Gunning for his first tournament win since completing a career grand slam with his Masters triumph at Augusta National in April, McIlroy had been roared on by huge crowds at The K Club throughout his final round. And as they massed around the 18th green on the par-five closing hole there was an explosion of noise as the world number two buried a 27-foot eagle putt for a six-under-par 66 to tie Lagergren at 17 under par and force a play-off with the Swede.