Heartbroken Rory McIlroy makes emotional confession on poor performance

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy is no stranger to heartbreaks on the golf course, especially this year. After losing the US Open in a close call, he met with a similar fate at the recently concluded 2024 Irish Open.

McIlroy was playing in front of his home crowd at the Royal County Down Golf Championship Course in Northern Ireland. He looked very much in contention to secure the title, and it would have been nothing less than a fairytale had he pulled it off. Unfortunately, the victory was not in his cards, as he lost to Danish golfer Rasmus Hojgaard by one shot.

Rory McIlroy had gone into the final round on Sunday with a one-shot lead over Matteo Mannassero. His lead extended to four in the early hours of the round. However, two bogeys on his part cut the game wide open for Hojgaard. The Dane, on his part, capitalized on the opportunity with four birdies on the last five holes.

Not losing hope, the crowd favorite, McIlroy, attempted an eagle with a splendid iron shot from the fairway. However, the resulting putt narrowly missed the hole. This was the 35-year-old's second close-call loss this year after losing to Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open in June.

In a post-match press interview, a visibly upset McIlroy talked about his misfortune this year.

"I am getting used to it unfortunately this year. Hopefully the tide's gonna turn pretty soon and I can turn all these close calls into victories,"

The 5-time major champion also reflected on his gameplay and how the scales suddenly tipped in Rasmus Hojgaard's favor.

"I felt like I was in control of the tournament for most of the day. I felt I was playing really solid and doing what I needed to do. Making a lot of pars, making the odd birdie. Then obviously the two bogeys on 15 and 17 opened the door for someone to have a good finish like what Rasmus did on the last few holes. Missing the green right on 15 is the place you can’t go and then I just misjudged the pace with the first putt on 17,"

He further added:

"Overall obviously really disappointed that I didn’t win but I’ll try to take the positives and move on next week to Wentworth,"

McIlroy will next be seen at the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water, Surrey, England.

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"I certainly don't take it for granted," - Rory McIlroy on the crowd support at the 2024 Irish Open

Rory McIlroy at the 2024 Irish Open (Source: Getty)

Before the 2024 Irish Open even commenced, it was a no-brainer to guess who the entire crowd would be rooting for. The Royal County Down Course in Northern Ireland was the home turf of world no. 3 Rory McIlroy.

And the love the spectators had for him showed, as they cheered him on throughout the tournament. Although McIlroy suffered a heartbreaking loss to Danish counterpart Rasmus Hojgaard, he didn't forget to appreciate the crowd's support in a post-match interview.

"I must say, that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool. The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don't take it for granted,"

He further added:

"I had to try to keep my composure walking up to the 18th green there. Wish I could play in front of those fans and this atmosphere every week,"

However, all things considered, this may not be the last time Rory McIlroy will get to play an iconic tournament in front of his countrymen. The 2025 Open Championship will be held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. He talked about it:

"From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it's a step in the right direction. You know, if anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush (the Open Championship) next year,"

Winning the Open Championship on his home ground would certainly be a much-needed redemption arc for Rory McIlroy.