Rory McIlroy admitted his putting was the “big reason” behind his disappointing Irish Open title defence as Shane Lowry celebrated victory at Trump International Golf Links.
McIlroy closed with a five-under-par 67 in Doonbeg but had already fallen too far behind to mount a meaningful Sunday challenge.
The six-time major winner completed the tournament on one under par and tied for 40th, surrendering the national title he had hoped to retain in front of a home crowd.
His final round offered some encouragement, but McIlroy conceded that persistent problems on the greens and a damaging Saturday had destroyed his chances.
“It was just a struggle on the greens, and that was the big reason why I wasn’t able to get myself into contention,” he said.
McIlroy began the weekend believing he remained close enough to the leaders to challenge.
A poor start to his third round quickly changed that picture, however, as he stumbled to a two-over 74.
“I felt like I was within touching distance going into yesterday, and then just that bad start didn’t give me any chance of contending after that,” McIlroy explained.
Rory McIlroy admitted his putting was the “big reason” behind his disappointing Irish Open title defence as Shane Lowry celebrated victory at Trump International Golf Links
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GETTY
His turbulent scorecard across the four days contained one eagle and 15 birdies but was undermined by eight bogeys and four costly double bogeys.
McIlroy accepted responsibility for several mistakes during the third round, identifying “a couple of destructive shots” and “a couple of bad decisions off the tees” as particularly damaging.
Yet the Northern Irishman was far happier with his work from the fairways and felt improvements in his approach play provided grounds for optimism.
“Overall, iron play was a lot better,” he said.
Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GB NEWS/GETTY
“Wedge play was pretty good for the most part this week. Obviously, it was just a struggle on the greens.”
McIlroy also took confidence from his closing 67, which at least allowed him to finish a frustrating week on a more positive note.
“I hit some good shots, saw a couple of putts drop in, which was nice, and at least it gives me encouragement going into next week,” he added.
His attention will now switch immediately to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a familiar venue which has effectively become his home course after he bought a property nearby with his family.
He is also scheduled to compete at the DP World India Championship and hopes to play twice in the Middle East during the closing weeks of the season.
“I’ve got next week, and India. Hopefully, we play two events in the Middle East,” McIlroy said.
“So four opportunities to play well and get myself in contention.”
Those appearances could prove pivotal as McIlroy pursues a fifth successive Race to Dubai crown.
Rory McIlroy remains content with his game despite his failure to win the Irish Open
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GETTYAnother triumph would take his career total to eight and draw him level with Colin Montgomerie’s record.
Although his Irish Open defence ended tamely, McIlroy insisted his game did not require a dramatic overhaul before Wentworth.
“I’ve seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement,” he said.
“I don’t feel too far away.”
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