Rory McIlroy missed out on a first-time win on home soil as Rasmus Hoegaard won the Irish Open.
This year the competition was held at Royal County Down Golf Club, in the same county where McIlroy born in.
2
He led the points heading into the fourth and final day and played well in his first holes on Sunday.
However, his late defensive play cost McIlroy dearly as he made two bogeys while Hojgaard advanced.
The first player led by two strokes through the last four holes, but on the 17th hole he caught the second player and made a bogey.
READ MORE ABOUT RORY MCILROY
McIlroy needed a winning putt on the final hole to make the playoff, but it didn't happen as his putt went wide.
It means he has yet to win a professional title in Northern Ireland and will suffer disappointment for a second time in 2024.
McIlroy leads five holes at U.S. Open in June but lost Bryson DeChambeau and extend his major league wait to ten years.
The next day he admitted that it was “probably the most difficult” day of his golf career.
“Unfortunately, I'm getting used to it this year,” said a disappointed McIlroy after his heart attack on Sunday.
“I hope the situation will change soon and I will be able to turn all these dangerous situations into victories.
“I have to say that roar when I hit my second shot on 18 was pretty cool. The support I've had this week has been absolutely amazing. I definitely don't take it for granted.
2
“I had to try to keep my composure going into the 18th hole. I wish I could play in front of fans like that and in that atmosphere every week.”
“Considering 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 for Portrush even more. [the Open Championship] next year.”
Hojgaard's form was even more impressive on Sunday afternoon, making birdies on four of his last five holes.
The victory gave the 23-year-old his fifth DP World Tour title and made him the second Dane to win the Irish Open after Soren Kjeldsen.