Rory McIlroy year of close calls added another chapter Sunday as the four-time major winner, who was in control of the 2024 Irish Open at Royal County Down throughout 54 holes, was chased down at the end by Rasmus Højgaard.

NEWCASTLE, Northern Ireland (AP) — Rasmus Hojgaard birdied his last three holes Sunday for a 6-under 65 to win the Irish Open and hand Rory McIlroy another dose of disappointment before a raucous gallery at Royal County Down.

Rory McIlroy has birdied his final three holes to shoot 3-under 68 and sit two strokes off the first-round lead at the Irish Open

After three days of play at Royal County Down, only one man can say he has been under par walking off the 18th green. That man is Rory McIlroy, who followed up rounds of 68-70 to open the 2024 Irish Open with a 2-under 69 on Moving Day to go from two back to one in front heading into Sunday's deciding round.

Matteo Manassero had to cope with the afternoon wind and the cold at Royal County Down for a 66 in the Irish Open.

Rory McIlroy missed an eagle putt on 18, clinching the Irish Open for Rasmus Hojgaard.

Hojgaard completed a superb closing 65 with four birdies in the last five holes to deny McIlroy at Royal County Down.

Rory McIlroy struggled down the stretch yet again as he was unable to claim victory in his hometown at the Irish Open.