MCILROY’S FEELING SO HARD DUNNE BY
IRELAND’S Paul Dunne produced a stunning final-round 61 to hold off a challenge from Rory McIlroy and claim his first European Tour title in the British Masters.
Dunne, who sprang to prominence when sharing the 54-hole lead in the 2015 Open Championship while still an amateur, fired seven birdies and an eagle in a superb closing round to finish 20 under par at Close House in Northumberland.
And the 24-year-old sealed victory in style by chipping in on the 18th to finish three shots clear of McIlroy, whose 63 was the lowest score of an injury-plagued season which he will bring to an early, self-imposed end next week.
McIlroy (below) was always playing catch-up despite a hat-trick of birdies from the sixth and his chance of a first win of the year looked to have gone when he missed good chances on the ninth and 10th and bogeyed the next. However, the four-time Major winner refused to throw in the towel and fired five birdies in the next six holes to close within a single shot, but a lengthy birdie attempt on the last was never on line.
That left Dunne needing to par the final two holes for victory – he birdied the 17th and chipped in for another on the last, a fitting end to a week which saw record crowds.
McIlroy said: “It was just nice to have a chance to win a golf tournament and the more chances I have like that the better.
“Shooting 64, 63 over the weekend I thought would have had a chance but that shows how well Paul played. I’m happy for him as well. He works hard on his game so it’s very well deserved.
“I don’t feel like I could have done much more but some weeks your best isn’t quite good enough.”
McIlroy will play the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with his father Gerry before taking a three-month break to work on his game and regain fitness following a rib injury.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he added. “My dad rang me a couple of days ago and said he was pleased I’d got my game into shape for him.”
Dunne, who lost a play-off to Edoardo Molinari in the Hassan Trophy in April, said: “It feels great.”
Dunne, now in the world’s top 100 for the first time, added: “It’s nice to finally get the demon off my back.”