The 150th Open: McIlroy just edged out on final day
Last updated 17th Jul 2022
Rory McIlroy's wait for a 5th Major goes on ...
The Holywood star just came up short on the final day of the 150th Open at St Andrews.
The World Number 2 held a two-shot lead midway through the round and carded a bogey-free closing 70, but that was not enough to end his eight-year drought in the game's biggest tournaments.
McIlroy ended up third - two shots behind the winner, Australian Cameron Smith who fired eight birdies - including five in a row from the 10th - to card his second 64 of the week and finish 20 under par, beating the previous best of 19 under on the Old Course set by Tiger Woods in 2000.
McIlroy won the Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014, but an ankle injury suffered playing football meant he was unable to try to retain the Claret Jug at St Andrews the following year.
The 33-year-old admitted this week therefore felt like the title defence he never had and enjoyed an ideal start with an opening 66, the same score he shot to begin his wire-to-wire victory at Hoylake.
A gracious McIlroy said: "I got beaten by the better man this week; 20 under par round here is really impressive, especially shooting 64 to get it done.
"I can't be too despondent because of how this year went. I'm playing some of the best golf I have done in a long time. It's just a case of keep knocking on the door.
"I will be OK, it's not life and death and I will have other chances. It's one I feel like I let slip away but there will be other opportunities. The putter just went a little cold today compared to the last three days.
"My (hotel) room is directly opposite the big yellow leaderboard behind the 18th and I was trying to envision my name on the top. It was on the top today but it won't be tomorrow."