McIlroy 'no regrets' as Open title bid fades in final round at Carnoustie
Rory finishes joint runner-up to Francesco Molinari after day of drama
Rory McIlroy showed he is still a force to be reckoned with – after a superb second place in the Open.
The World Number Eight was well in the running for the title – he first won in 2014 – after topping the leaderboard during yesterday’s final round at Carnoustie.
Ultimately, though, he fell short at the final hurdle – losing by just two shots to Francesco Molinari who became the first Italian to win a Major after one of the most dramatic final rounds in Open Championship history.
McIlroy said he had no regrets in a final round that saw Tiger Woods also return to his best.
The 14-time Major winner also led the field at one stage before his challenge faded on the back nine.
“After I played nine holes and Tiger was in the lead on his own and we were like, wow, this is going to be a dog-fight and in the end it turned out that way,” McIlroy said.
“But I don’t leave here with any regrets.”
And he said he was looking forward to the 148th Championship taking place in Portrush.
“I play this tournament well – I have done for a few years now and I am excited to play an Open championship at Portrush,” he said.
“That will be unbelievable.”
Francesco Molinari became the first Italian player to win a major title after one of the most dramatic final rounds in Open Championship history.
Molinari carded a nerveless closing 69 at a windswept Carnoustie to finish eight under par, two shots clear of Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele.
Playing alongside a rejuvenated Tiger Woods, Molinari followed 13 straight pars with a birdie on the 14th and finished a brilliant round in fitting style with another from just three feet on the 18th.
“I'm lost for words really,'' said Molinari, who has now won three times in his last six starts. “It's incredible to do something like this and I'm very proud of what I've done.''
Eddie Pepperell held the early clubhouse lead after a closing 67, but had a phlegmatic approach when his chances of Open glory were finally ended.
Francesco Molinari was tied for the lead with Schauffele before hitting a brilliant approach to the 18th and converting the short birdie putt.
Pepperell's 67 was the lowest score of the day but Molinari's 69 was better in the circumstances, especially playing alongside Woods and not dropping a shot in windy conditions.