Rasmus Højgaard wins Irish Open as Rory McIlroy suffers another collapse

"Unfortunately I'm getting used to it this year."

Rasmus Højgaard clinched victory at the Amgen Irish Open, overcoming Rory McIlroy in a dramatic final round at Royal County Down.

McIlroy, who held a one-shot lead entering Sunday, ultimately fell short by a single stroke, marking his second major disappointment in recent months.

Despite ideal weather conditions on Sunday, McIlroy's promising start, which included consecutive birdies to reach -8, was overshadowed by a strong performance from Højgaard.

The Danish golfer delivered an impressive final round of 65, finishing at -9 to secure the title.

McIlroy, leading at -7 through 54 holes, extended his advantage early on and was in control for much of the day.

However, crucial misses on the greens and a bogey at the 15th allowed Højgaard to close the gap.

A birdie on the 16th by McIlroy briefly restored his lead, but Højgaard’s brilliant bunker play, capped by a birdie at the 17th, levelled the score.

Needing an eagle on the 18th to force a playoff, McIlroy's final putt came up short, leaving Højgaard to lift the trophy at -9. McIlroy finished second at -8, despite leading for most of the tournament.

"Unfortunately I'm getting used to it this year," said McIlroy, reflecting on his second-placed finish.

"Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.

"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.

"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.

"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."

His second-place finish, however, at least extends his lead in the Race to Dubai.

Elsewhere, Matteo Manassero, Daniel Brown, and Robert MacIntyre secured top-five finishes, while Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowd with a final round of 68 to finish tied for 12th.

Of the 11 Irish golfers in the field, five made the cut, including Seamus Power and Tom McKibbin.