THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Sensational saving putt sends Mcllroy on way to K Club glory

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

PLAY-OFF master Rory McIlroy nailed the clutch moments that made him an Irish Open champion for the second time at the K Club.

McIlroy lost the first three playoffs of his career but yesterday, in scenes reminiscent of Shane Lowry's 2009 Irish Open win, he beat Joakim Lagergren at the third play-off hole.

Three of his four wins this year have involved play-off drama - in The Masters (against Justin Rose), The Players (against JJ Spaun) and now The Irish Open.

"I started my career with three play-off losses I think, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the Honda Classic," he said. "But then after that, it's been much better.

"I feel like play-offs in golf are a bit like tie breaks in tennis. It's really about who blinks first. It's almost about just being a little bit patient.

"I've watched a lot of tennis this week because of the US Open - if you can just hold your serve, it really is about that.

"Thankfully, I did enough to get over the line. Same thing at the Masters, same thing at The Players.

"I feel like I'm a lot more comfortable in play-offs. I feel like I've got a good strategy for them. That's probably the big thing."

Mclloy did lose in a play-off at Wentworth last year, to bring his career record to seven wins and seven losses in such showdowns.

He is heading back there next week with a chance to go back-toback on the DP World Tour to consolidate his position as the Race To Dubai's hot favourite before he joins the European team at the Ryder Cup at the end of the month.

Nine years ago, McIlroy produced magical eagles on the 16th and 18th on the same Palmer North course to prevail in the Irish Open.