The win is McIlroy’s first as a professional on Irish soil, and also a first taste of success since capturing last November’s European Tour season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.
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Rory McILroy’s fairway-wood second shots from 273 yards and 252 yards to the 16th and 18th greens announced his return to form, providing the impetus behind his victory in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club in Kildare, Ireland, on Sunday.
His 253-meter (276-yard) second strike on the 18th landed within three feet of the pin to the deafening cheers of tens of thousands who had braved downpours and hail showers to witness the moment.
A late bogey saw Willett sign for a round of 71 and fall back alongside Warren on eight under par, with McIlroy recording a 70 as he made the cut at his home Open for the first time in four years. His previous best finish was seventh in 2008, his first professional year.
McIlroy showed composure in hard weather conditions which saw play delayed twice on Saturday at The K Club in Co Kildare and also on Sunday.
Four-time major victor McIlroy started well with a birdie at the par-five fourth, but the Northern Irishman suffered a setback with a bogey at the sixth, before play was suspended at 13:00 BST because several greens were waterlogged due to the heavy rain.
After the shot, McIlroy was quickly receiving high praise.
Play resumed after a delay of 69 minutes and Knox produced a crucial par save on the eighth after hitting his approach over the green, but McIlroy edged two shots clear with a birdie from 18 feet on the 10th. “So I will just rest up to try and get myself mentally rested to go out and play another good round”.
“Rory hits it further than anyone”, said Knox, who is ranked 28th.
“I felt like it was slipping away a bit on the back nine but that finish I’ll remember for the rest of my life”.
“As well, I had trouble reading my putt on the 15th green so I didn’t know where to hit it and I said to my caddy: “I’ll just hit it straight”.
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“To be leading going into the final day – I’m standing here a little disappointed it isn’t more – is good”.
