Rasmus Højgaard stunned the golfing world with his electrifying performance at the Amgen Irish Open, held at the picturesque Royal County Down course. On September 15, 2024, the 23-year-old Dane delivered a brilliant closing round, carding six birdies—including birdies on the last three holes—to win the tournament at nine-under par, edging out the local favorite, Rory McIlroy, by just one stroke.
Going up against the legendary McIlroy, who was hoping to secure his first professional win on home soil, the final round appeared to be shaping up for the Northern Irish icon. McIlroy started the day strong, holding a two-shot lead and demonstrating considerable skill with birdies on the first two holes. His confidence soared as he settled comfortably at the top of the leaderboard, maintaining his lead through much of the game.
But the fun began to unravel for McIlroy as he approached the final holes. After birdying the 11th, McIlroy, standing proud, went through what seemed like the perfect day, only to encounter intermittent bumps, including bogeys on both the 15th and 17th holes. The 15th bogey unraveled his lead, tying him with Højgaard as the championship tension thickened.
Højgaard, showing all the tenacity of youth, turned the competition on its head with remarkable accuracy and focus. He kicked off his back nine trailing McIlroy’s score, but soon narrowed the gap, making his move with aggressive birdies. He particularly dazzled crowds with his stunning chip-in for birdie on the 10th and then followed up with another on the 14th, putting pressure firmly back on McIlroy.
With Højgaard’s incredible bunker hole-out for birdie on the 17th, the momentum shifted decidedly. McIlroy, sensing the pressure, made mistakes with the putter and could only watch as Højgaard surged past him on the leaderboard, moving to eight-under. McIlroy’s fate was sealed after his par-5 eagle attempt on the 18th hole narrowly missed, leaving him to settle for birdie and end the day at eight-under.
“It’s so tough to lose,” McIlroy said afterward, reflecting on the emotional disappointment. “Felt like I was starting to get on top, controlling the tournament most of the day, then everything turned—two bad holes and it cost me.” Højgaard’s newfound mastery shone as he remarked, “I knew it was going to be hard to battle with Rory, but to finish on nine was gold. This win is massive for me.”
For Højgaard, this victory marked his fifth title on the European tour, making him the youngest since José María Olazábal to achieve such a feat. His twin brother, Nicolai Højgaard, also played on the circuit but missed the cut for the Irish Open and remained at the course to watch Rasmus seal the dramatic finish.
Reflecting on his win, Højgaard noted the importance of good fortune and calculated execution. “I had a number I was trying to reach today, and each hole built upon the last,” he commented, acknowledging the role of pressure and the effectiveness of not being overwhelmed by McIlroy’s presence.
Positioning himself among the top players from the Race to Dubai, Højgaard’s triumph effectively ensures him access to PGA Tour membership next year—an aspiration every golfer holds dear. ”All of this sets me on course for what’s next,” he said, brimming with anticipation.
Meanwhile, McIlroy's story remains fraught with near-misses and the burden of high expectations. Despite three victories this year, this loss at home weighs heavily; it feels achingly familiar—a thread woven through his storied career. “I’m getting used to it this year,” he candidly revealed, displaying the raw intensity of emotions overflowing from years of competitive highs and lows.
Aside from the riveting final round, other competitors also left their mark. Italian golfer Matteo Manassero completed his closing round with a score of 69, finishing third, closely followed by Dan Brown from England who shot 66 to settle for fourth place.
This year, the Irish Open proved to be more than just another tournament; it encapsulated the drama, tension, and sheer unpredictability of professional golf. For Højgaard, it means stacking another trophy on the mantle, and for McIlroy, it stirs the flame for his next competitive outing, where the specter of this recent loss will likely linger.
What lies next for these two golfers? Can Højgaard capitalize on his momentum and maintain his impeccable form, or will McIlroy rise from this disappointment and turn the tide back for himself? Only time will tell, but for now—congratulations are certainly due to the young champion, Rasmus Højgaard, whose talent has blossomed on such grand stages with the world watching, tipping the scale toward future success.
