Joakim Lagergren Shows Frustration in Irish Open Defeat to McIlroy

Joakim Lagergren expressed his frustration after losing the Irish Open to Rory McIlroy in a tense playoff at The K Club on Sunday. The Swedish golfer came within touching distance of one of the biggest wins of his career, only to see it slip away in dramatic fashion.

Lagergren Says Defeat Is “A Tough One To Swallow”

The Swede admitted after the tournament that he was frustrated to miss out on the Irish Open to Rory McIlroy. The 33-year-old emerged from a five-way tie for the lead on Sunday’s back nine at The K Club with a superb round of 66 and appeared close to winning the tournament after an impressive 266-yard approach to within five feet, setting up an eagle at the 16th.

McIlroy started the day four shots behind Adrien Saddier and made a forgettable start to his homecoming Sunday with a bogey at the first in torrential rain. Lagergren eagled 16 and birdied 18 to move two shots ahead of the Northern Irishman and leave the Grand Slam winner needing to produce a three at the last.

McIlroy responded with a 28-foot putt to eagle the last and extend the tournament to a 73rd hole before they both went close to eagles but settled for matching birdies. Both players birdied the first two extra holes in the playoff to keep the pressure high. But everything changed on the third when Lagergren’s approach shot took an unlucky bounce, landing in the water hazard, allowing McIlroy to win it with two putts.

“This is a tough one to swallow,” the 33-year-old said. “I really thought I had that out there today. Obviously posting 17-under in the clubhouse could have been enough. I played really well in the playoff as well. I hit a solid 5-iron down on the last play, but it got a horrendous bounce. It’s a metre from being dead to the hole. So it’s tough.”

Lagergren Sees Progress Despite Devastating Defeats

While Lagergren admitted that the result was difficult to accept, the 33-year-old believes that he has made some improvements and is now back to the level he wants to play at. The defeat keeps the Swede searching for his third professional win, while McIlroy’s victory boosts Team Europe ahead of this month’s Ryder Cup, where he expects to play a big part on American soil.

“Absolutely, yes,” Lagergren said when he was asked whether he has made progress. “It feels like I’m definitely back and playing at a level where I want to play. A top 10 last week and then losing in a playoff this week. So yeah, it feels like it’s trending.”

Lagergren may have left The K Club disappointed, but his recent form suggests a breakthrough could be on the horizon. For McIlroy, the victory not only adds another chapter to his storied career but also sends a strong message ahead of the Ryder Cup.