Rory McIlroy wins Irish Open at the K Club to end drought
After six months since his last trophy win, the Northern Irishman produced some lovely approach play to get back on the trail, his first victory on Irish soil.
Tournament host Rory McIlroy hit two stunning approach shots in the closing three holes to end a six-month winless drought, capturing the Irish Open at the K Club on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman used his prodigious length to birdie the par-five 16th and then, with a one-shot lead on the par-five last, he hit his second shot from over 250 yards to within just a couple of feet of the pin before tapping in for eagle.
McIlroy went into the final round of the weather-affected event leading by three shots,and the world number three's rally in the closing holes carried him to a closing 69 and victory by three strokes with a 12-under par total.
The win is McIlroy's first as a professional on Irish soil, and also a first taste of success since capturing last November's European Tour season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Scotland's Russell Knox, using a borrowed driver, looked set to deny McIlroy as he moved one shot clear of the field thanks to back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15.
However, the 30-year-old Florida-based golfer three-putted the 16th for bogey in an eventual round of 68, to finish tied for second at nine under par with Welshman Bradley Dredge, who signed for a 66.
Germany's Martin Kaymer produced the lowest score on the final day with a seven under par 65 to share fifth place at six under.