Rory McIlroy raring to get ‘back on horse’ at Wentworth after Irish Open setback

Rory McIlroy insists he has mentally recovered from seeing a fairytale Irish Open victory slip through his fingers, but physical issues may be a factor in the BMW PGA Championship.

McIlroy looked on course to claim his first professional win on home soil on Sunday when he led by two shots with four holes to play at Royal County Down, just an hour from where he grew up.

But while Rasmus Hojgaard completed a superb closing 65 with four birdies in the last five holes – including three in a row from the 16th – McIlroy bogeyed the 15th and 17th and missed an eagle putt on the 18th to force a play-off.

Agony for Rory McIlroy.

Rasmus Højgaard wins the Amgen Irish Open