Amgen Irish Open 2025
The 2025 Amgen Irish Open returned to The K Club with all the anticipation of a major, and from the opening tee shot it delivered a week of drama, twists, and unforgettable moments.
Thursday’s opening round saw the early pace set by Nacho Elvira, Thorbjørn Olesen, and Romain Langasque, each carding 66s to share the lead at six under par. Shane Lowry started brightly with a 69, while Rory McIlroy thrilled fans with flashes of brilliance but faltered late, closing with bogeys on two of his last three holes to settle for a one-under 71 — five shots adrift of the leaders.
Friday brought volatility as the leaderboard shuffled. While Joakim Lagergren surged into contention, Rory steadied himself, grinding through a round that wasn’t flawless but kept him within sight of the leaders. The cut fell at level par, ensuring a strong weekend field with all the Irish stars still in play.
Saturday was moving day in every sense. Angel Hidalgo caught fire with an extraordinary front-nine birdie run that included seven in a row, matching a European Tour record with twelve birdies on the day. Though a double bogey at the 16th halted his charge, he birdied the last for a 63 that electrified the crowds. France’s Adrien Saddier emerged as the 54-hole leader at fifteen under after a composed 68, while McIlroy quietly positioned himself with a bogey-free 68 of his own — four shots behind but very much in the hunt.
Sunday’s finale had all the theatre Irish fans could have hoped for. Saddier stumbled under pressure, while Lagergren pieced together a flawless 66 capped by a spectacular eagle at the 16th and a birdie at the 18th to set the clubhouse target at seventeen under. McIlroy, chasing the roars around him, found his rhythm with well-timed birdies but still needed something special down the last. On the par-five 18th, he produced it — rolling in a stunning long-range eagle putt that sent the galleries into raptures and tied him with Lagergren at seventeen under, forcing extra holes.
The playoff was a battle of nerves. Both players matched birdies on the first two holes, the tension rising with every swing. On the third, Lagergren’s approach found water, opening the door. McIlroy, cheered on by a wall of sound only home fans can create, held his composure to make birdie and claim a dramatic victory.
For Rory, it was a second Irish Open crown at The K Club, a win that rekindled memories of 2016 and underscored once again why this venue, and this championship, holds such a special place in Irish sporting history.
