Rory McIlroy struggled to hide his disappointment after missing out on a first professional win in his native Northern Ireland.
The World Number Three narrowly missed out on a play-off at the Amgen Irish Open as his eagle effort on the 18th narrowly missed.
A round of 69 saw him finish a shot behind Rasmus Højgaard, who produced a spectacular back nine in his 65 for a winning nine-under total at Royal County Down.
A disappointed McIlroy, who missed out on a first major since 2014 when he bogeyed three of the last four holes in the U.S. Open Championship in June, said: “Unfortunately I’m getting used to it this year.
“Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories.
“I must say, that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool. The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don’t take it for granted.
“I had to try to keep my composure walking up to the 18th green there. Wish I could play in front of those fans and this atmosphere every week.
“From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it’s a step in the right direction. You know, if anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush (the Open Championship) next year.”
