McIlroy came agonisingly close to winning the Irish Open for a second time as he lost out by a single shot to Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard

Rory McIlroy (Image: Peter Morrison/PA Wire)

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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will be chasing big prize money once again when the BMW PGA Championship gets under way later this week.

McIlroy came agonisingly close to winning the Irish Open for a second time as he lost out by a single shot to Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard, who produced a brilliant finish to win the tournament on Sunday.

The Holywood man looked on course to win when he led by two shots with four holes to play at Royal County Down, just an hour from where he grew up.

But while Hojgaard completed a superb closing 65 with four birdies in the last five holes – including three in a row from the 16th – McIlroy crucially three-putted the 17th and then agonisingly missed an eagle putt on the 18th to force a play-off. However, the world number three still took home a cheque for €595,419 for his efforts.

Meanwhile, Lowry finished in a tie for 12th at Royal County Down and will be aiming to go closer at Wentworth this weekend, where €8.1million in prize money is up for grabs.

The Offaly man won the tournament two years ago, with McIlroy and Jon Rahm both finishing one behind him, while McIlroy finished one shot ahead of Lowry to win it back in 2014.

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Posting on Instagram after the final round of the Irish Open, Lowry wrote: “Thank you to everyone who made this week special. I always say it. The Irish Open is one of the best tournaments in the world. The course, the fans and we’re very lucky to have an amazing sponsor. @amgen_ireland. Roll on Wentworth.”

Shane Lowry (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady)

Speaking after finishing second on Sunday, a disappointed McIlroy, who missed out on a first major since 2014 when he bogeyed three of the last four holes in the US Open in June, said: ““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.

“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.

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“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.”