Rory McIlroy Reflects on Play-off Agony: ‘The Game is Testing Me’

Rory McIlroy remained upbeat despite suffering another near miss in 2024, losing in a play-off at the BMW PGA Championship to American Billy Horschel on Sunday. The world number three was edged out on the second play-off hole at Wentworth, marking his latest close call after several strong performances this season.

McIlroy, who narrowly missed winning the US Open in June, also saw victory slip away last weekend at the Irish Open, finishing second after going close to forcing a play-off with an eagle attempt on the final hole.

Reflecting on his recent form, the four-time major champion said: “Last week was a tough one, but I left there with my head held high with the way I played the last hole trying to make three. Two weeks in a row I’ve played well, just not quite well enough. The game is testing me a little more than it has in the past, but that’s fine.”

McIlroy, Horschel, and South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence all finished tied at 20 under par, with Lawrence being eliminated on the first play-off hole.