Emotional McIlroy hopes maiden win of 2016 can be springboard for further success
World No3 Rory McIlroy savoured an emotional victory after ending his wait for a first title of 2016 in style at his home tournament, the Irish Open, on Sunday.
McIlroy summoned a brilliant eagle at the last hole to sign for a 69 and hold off a late surge from Scotland’s Russell Knox and complete a three-shot triumph at the K Club.
"I don’t really get emotional when I win but I was trying to hold back the tears on the 18th green, looking up and seeing all my friends and family,” said the four-time Major winner.
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“I don’t get the chance to play in front of them very often so to play like that and to finish like that, I’ll never forget it. The ovation I got when the ball landed on the 16th green sent shivers down my spine.”
Knox, who cut McIlroy’s lead to one shot with four birdies and an eagle, shared second on nine under par with Welshman Bradley Dredge. Masters winner Danny Willett faded with a 77 that left him on one under.
McIlroy’s first win since the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last year earned him £515,000, but the sum goes to his Rory Foundation, which hosts the Irish Open.
The 27-year-old is more concerned with using the win as a springboard for further success this year.
“I’m excited. I kept telling anyone that would listen that I was close,” he added. “Maybe those last three holes is the catalyst for another great summer with three majors and everything else we have to play for with the Olympics and the Ryder Cup.”