Putt luck! Mcllroy delivers Irish joy with epic victory

Rory Mcllroy sank an incredible eagle putt from nearly 30 feet on the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Joakim Lagergren before beating the Swede on the third subsequent hole in a thrilling finish to win the Irish Open for a second time on Sunday.

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World No.2 and Masters champion Mcllroy was staring down the barrel when Lagergren posted 17-under in the clubhouse, knowing only an eagle on the par-five 18th would keep his hopes alive and the Northern Irish golfer did not disappoint.

“Get in the hole,’ yelled the crowd as Mcllroy played his shot and as they held their breath, the ball rolled in before they erupted as one with chants of “Rory! Rory!”

Both golfers birdied the first two holes in the playoff but there was more drama on the third where Mcllroy missed the fairway with his drive while Lagergren’s ball bounced cruelly off the green and splashed into the water.