Winning a home Open for the first time is a special experience for any golfer. To do so in the manner Rory McIlroy achieved in 2016 made it all the more memorable.
In a dramatic finale at the K Club, McIlroy produced a brilliant birdie-par-eagle finish to turn a one-shot deficit with three holes to play into a three-shot victory over Russell Knox and Bradley Dredge.
But it was the calibre of play he produced under intense pressure that underlined why he is such a great champion.
Having been caught at the top of the leaderboard by Knox, the 54-hole leader first set up a birdie at the 16th with a bold three-wood approach that swung the momentum in his favour.
By the time he reached the 18th tee, he held a one-shot lead before another outstanding second shot to kick-in distance with a 5 wood from 252 yards set up a closing eagle.
Amid the rapturous applause, the emotion was clear to see for the four-time Major Champion, who had missed his previous three cuts at the Irish Open.
"To finish like I did is something I'll never forget," said McIlroy at the time.
He now returns to the County Kildare venue hoping to create more memories as the Race to Dubai Rankings in partnership with Rolex leader goes in search of his 17th DP World Tour title.
Speaking at his pre-tournament media conference, he said: "It is good to be back here at The K Club where I've had by far my best finish at The Irish Open.
"So, it's been good to get back and sort of try to refamiliarise myself with the golf course. A lot's happened in the last seven years, so I actually struggled to remember quite a few holes when I played this morning, but it's also started to come back."
"The atmosphere was electric during that final round in 2016 and I’m looking forward to seeing the fans out in force at The K Club once again.”
Watch the video at the top of the page to see how McIlroy sealed victory in 2016 – a shot voted as the best of the season by fans.
