Rory McIlroy has won his first ever Irish Open title.
The World No 3 triumphed by three shots at the K Club this afternoon to put an end to torrid results at the event in recent years.
A final round 69 was more than enough for him to triumph with a 12-under par score across the four days, with Scotland's Russell Knox and Wales' Bradley Dredge tied for second on 9-under.
The final score. #IrishOpen2016 pic.twitter.com/JgfwlO0RzJ
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) May 22, 2016
Knox had briefly taken the lead midway through today's weather-affected round, but McIlroy was able to reclaim it in the final stretch and sealed victory in style with an eagle on the 18th, after a birdie two holes earlier on the 16th.
253 yards.
The shot of a champion. https://t.co/7EpcJKAbWH
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 22, 2016
McIlroy from 271 yards. https://t.co/9uEqWgUuK9
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 22, 2016
McIlroy had bogeyed the 11th but Knox did the same at the 16th as momentum swung in the Northern Irishman's direction.
He becomes the first Irish winner since Shane Lowry in 2009.
Lowry finished his tournament on 1-under as the best of the other home challengers, with Kevin Phelan and Gavin Moynihan both 1-over par.
Darren Clarke finished 2-over par and Gary Hurley 8-over.
Congrats to all the players who took part in @DDFIrishOpen. So proud of @McIlroyRory. What a finish to the week! pic.twitter.com/fpDQ1PJa12
— Rory Foundation (@roryfoundation) May 22, 2016
Graeme McDowell and Paul Dunne were both 8-over with Paul McGinley two shots further back.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
