Rory McIlroy: Holywood golfer confirms he will defend his Irish Open title
Rory McIlroy will defend his Irish Open title when this year's tournament takes place at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare from 9-13 September.The Holywood man came through in the third play-off hole against Joakim Lagergren to win the 2025 edition at the K Club after sinking a 28-foot putt for an eagle at the 18th hole of his final round to force the extra holes.It was one of many highlights in 2025 for the Northern Irishman who completed a career Grand Slam with a play-off win at The Masters in April before helping Europe to a first away Ryder Cup success since 2012 at Bethpage Black, New York and then finishing the year as the Race to Dubai champion for a seventh time."I'm looking forward to returning home for the Amgen Irish Open later this year," McIlroy told the DP World Tour website."Playing in front of Irish fans is always incredibly special. The scenes at The K Club last year were unforgettable."The roar when I holed my eagle putt on the 18th and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever. Hopefully I can give the fans more of the same this year at Doonbeg."McIlroy's first Irish Open win came at the K Club in 2016, with the County Kildare course scheduled to play host once again in 2027.
