Year that dreams are made of - McIlroy's magical moments

Updated / Wednesday, 24 Dec 2025 06:00 Along with the Irish Open and Masters wins there were victories for Rory McIlroy at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Players Championship Dave Kelly By Dave Kelly McIlroy eagles the last, the crowd go nuts" - Andrew Coltart "Just box office" - Paul McGinley "One of the coolest moments of my career" - Rory McIlroy 2025 was a year adorned by magical moments for Rory McIlroy. In September, this reporter was privileged to experience one of those moments at close hand. There's a special atmosphere in the air on the final day of an Irish Open with McIlroy in contention. For the marquee Irish players it's a tournament like no other; the demands that week are significant, on and off the course. Nine years on from his maiden Irish Open victory, also at the K Club, McIlroy had an opportunity to emulate the great Severiano Ballesteros by winning the Masters and Irish Open titles in the same year. Overnight he was four shots adrift of the leader, Frenchman Adrien Saddier. Briefly, despite opening with a bogey, McIlroy topped Sunday's leaderboard, but an eagle three was required on the closing hole to extend his involvement into a play-off. Access 'inside the ropes' is afforded to journalists at the Amgen Irish Open. Having obtained the requisite armband in the K Club Media Centre, I was fully aware of my responsibilities: don't get too close to the players; and be as inconspicuous as possible. I'd scurried greenside on the 18th for a chance to witness the conclusion of McIlroy's final round. A sweetly struck approach shot over water on the par 5 set up an eagle chance. McIlroy's ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios is undisputed. Slowly but steadily the putt made its way towards the hole. Time it seemed, froze, and then the ball dropped. Euphoria for McIlroy, his caddie and close friend Harry Diamond, those gathered around the green, and a considerable audience following the drama on TV/online/radio. Playing partner Alfredo García-Heredia seemed genuinely exhilarated by the experience. Box office indeed. We're going to a play-off! An absolutely incredible eagle putt on the 18th hole takes the roof off the K Club and sends Rory McIlroy to a play-off with Joakim Lagergren. 📺 Watch https://t.co/8XIEOHjQi5 📱Follow https://t.co/KP2vwfqdeg #RTESport pic.twitter.com/dU3G8Hnyhf — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 7, 2025 There remained a play-off with Sweden's Joakim Lagergren to negotiate. Almost inevitably, Rory won his second Irish Open title on the third play-off hole after a third successive birdie on 18. "Really special, the support of the crowds and playing in that atmosphere," he said afterwards. "Coming down the last few holes knowing what I needed to do and having the crowd sort of spur me on... incredible day." McIlroy is now comfortable with the weight of expectation that comes his way at the Irish Open. "I think it's taken me a while to get to this point where I do embrace it and I do enjoy it,"...

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