Royal County Down win my ‘most special moment': Irish Open champion confirms he will defend title
McIlroy, who at one point had led by four shots during the final round, had an eagle putt on the par-five 18th to force a play-off despite bogeying two of his three prior holes, but ultimately came up just short as four birdies in his last five earned Højgaard the victory.
Off the back of his Irish Open success, Højgaard has gone from strength to strength, making the cut in eight of his first 11 events this season on the PGA Tour and playing the weekend at both The Masters and the US PGA Championship.
And the World No.64 is keen to go back-to-back after announcing he will return to the tournament this year at The K Club, which begins on September 4, adding to a star-studded field that already includes the likes of McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power.
'Winning the Amgen Irish Open last year was one of the most special moments of my career,' said Højgaard. 'To do it in such dramatic fashion, against such a strong field, is something I'll never forget.
'I'm really looking forward to returning to The K Club this September. It's a world-class venue with a rich history, and the Irish fans always create an incredible atmosphere. Defending my title there will be a real honour.
'The Irish Open is always one of the highlights of the season. It's a special tournament to me and I'm excited to be part of it again and hopefully give myself a chance to lift the trophy one more time.'
This is the second time the Palmer North Course at The K Club will host the event in the last three years as part of a deal between the Irish Open and the venue that will see it also stage the tournament in 2027.
McIlroy is looking for his second win at the Kildare course having produced a scintillating final round performance to win his, to date, only Irish Open in 2016, with Sweden's Vincent Norrman triumphing in 2023.
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