"It just whats my appetite even more"- Rory McIlroy leaves behind Irish Open failure, looks ahead to future events

Rory McIlroy missed another opportunity for victory, finishing as the runner-up at the 2024 Irish Open. The Irish golfer was on the brink of winning or at least forcing a playoff but missed an eagle putt on the final hole at the Royal County Down Championship in Northern Ireland.

In the post-round press conference, McIlroy expressed his disappointment but also appreciated the crowd's support and vowed to return to compete in the Irish Open.

"Yeah, I must say, I've never -- that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool. Yeah, the support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I've had a great time being home. It's been too long. Need to keep coming back more often," McIlroy said.

Despite not securing the win, McIlroy feels he's heading in the right direction and is already looking for the 2025 Open Championship at Portrush in Northern Ireland.

"But yeah, look, 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 whats my appetite even more for Portrush next year," the Northern Ireland golfer revealed.

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Look back at Rory McIlroy's performance in 2024

Rory McIlroy had a bittersweet season in 2024 so far. The 35-year-old golfer has registered two victories on the PGA Tour and had a chance to add at least three to four more trophies this year.

Rory McIlroy at the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2024 - Day Four - Source: Getty

He finished runner-up at the US Open, 3rd at the Valero Texas Open, T4 at the RBC Canadian Open and the Genesis Scottish Open, T5 at the Olympic golf championship, and T2 at the Irish Open last week.

"Unfortunately I'm getting used to it this year. Hopefully, the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories," the Northern Irish golfer revealed.

In the season-long FedEx Cup rankings, he finished T9 at the Tour Championship, showcasing his consistent performance this year. He has missed just one cut in the 19 events and registered seven top-10 finishes to make $10,893,790 as official money on the PGA Tour.

There is no particular struggle in his game this season. The four-time major championship winner has been clinical in all departments, but unfortunately, he has crumbled under pressure when it mattered the most.

Rory McIlroy will next travel to Surrey, England, to compete in the 2024 BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Golf Club, set to take place from September 19 to 22. He will try his best to maintain this momentum and turn the tide in his favor to convert the close calls into wins.