01매킬로이, "셰인 로리의 고국 우승 기대… 내 경기력도 회복세"
디펜딩 챔피언으로 출전한 로리 매킬로이(북아일랜드)가 암젠 아일랜드 오픈 최종 라운드에서 67타를 기록하며 대회를 최종 합계 1언더파로 마쳤다. 비록 타이틀 방어에는 실패했지만, 매킬로이는 3라운드까지 16언더파로 선두를 달리고 있는 절친이자 동료 셰인 로리(아일랜드)의 우승을 한마음으로 응원하고 나섰다. 매킬로이는 로리가 2009년 아마추어 시절 우승 이후 다시 한번 고국 팬들 앞에서 트로피를 들어 올리기를 간절히 바란다고 전했다.
매킬로이는 대회 마지막 날 버디 6개를 낚으며 선전했으나, 16번 홀 더블 보기와 17번 홀 보기를 범하며 아쉬움을 남겼다. 하지만 마지막 18번 홀을 버디로 장식하며 기분 좋게 마무리했다. 그는 "올해 초 아쉬운 기회를 놓쳤던 로리가 고국의 뜨거운 성원을 받으며 정상에 오르는 모습을 보고 싶다"며 "나를 포함해 온 나라가 그의 우승을 원하고 있다"고 응원의 메시지를 보냈다.
한편, 매킬로이는 자신의 경기 내용에 대해서도 긍정적인 진단을 내렸다. 그그는 그린 위에서 약간 애를 먹으며 선두권 경쟁에 합류하지는 못했지만, 아이언 샷과 웨지 샷 감각이 크게 개선되었다고 평가했다. "완벽한 주말은 아니었지만 다음 주 대회를 앞두고 충분히 긍정적인 신호를 얻었다"며 경기력 회복에 자신감을 보였다.
매킬로이는 이번 대회가 열린 트럼프 인터내셔널 골프 링크스와 후원사 암젠의 헌신에 감사를 표하는 것도 잊지 않았다. 그는 며칠간 퍼팅 감각을 다듬은 뒤, 자신이 좋은 성적을 거둬온 영국 윈트워스의 BMW PGA 챔피언십에 출전해 분위기 반전을 노릴 예정이다.
02Original (English) — DP World Tour
Rory McIlroy admitted it would be "absolutely incredible" to watch Shane Lowry secure his second Amgen Irish Open title after signing off his home event with his best round of the week.
The 37-year-old was defending his crown at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg after he defeated Joakim Lagergren in a play-off at The K Club 12 months ago.
He had highlights throughout the week, but McIlory could not mount a serious challenge at the top of the leaderboard as Lowry surged to 16 under after the third round.
Sunday saw McIlroy card six birdies and a dropped shot through 14 holes and although he had a late blip with a double bogey at the 16th and a bogey at the 17th, the six-time Major Champion closed with a birdie to finish the tournament in the red at one under following his final-day 67.
Although he will not be around for the conclusion of the event, McIlroy is hoping Lowry can add another Amgen Irish Open to his CV after winning as an amateur in 2009.
"It would be absolutely incredible," McIlroy said of another Lowry success. "He had a couple of chances earlier this year at the Honda and the Cognizant. I felt like he never got going with his season after that, it knocked him back a little bit.
"To see him in contention out there, obviously the whole country would love to see him get it done, me included."
On his round he added: "I think overall, I've seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement going into next week, a golf course that I know well and a golf course that I've had success on.
"Obviously it wasn't the week that I wanted but at the same time, I don't feel too far away, and I feel good about going into Wentworth next week.
"I thought I hit the ball pretty well for the most part. A couple of bad decisions off the tees yesterday, but overall, iron play was a lot better. That's getting there.
"Wedge play was pretty good for the most part this week. Obviously it was a struggle on the greens, that was the difficult thing and why I wasn't able to get myself into contention.
"A little bit of time on the putting green over the next couple days and get familiar with the greens at Wentworth again.
"A few big numbers in there but enough good stuff, enough positives to take encouragement from that and head into next week, I feel like I'm not too far away."
Trump Ireland was making its first apperance on the DP World Tour and McIlroy applauded the venue and sponsor Amgen for their continued support of the event.
"I think it's been a great week. I think it's looked great on TV," the World Number Two said.
"There's been a lot of crowds. Obviously we have a great leaderboard, and everyone hopes that Shane gets it done today. Overall, I think it's been a great week.
"Every tournament needs a great sponsor and Amgen stepped up. They have been amazing the last few years. I think the venues that we've had as well have been good too.
"I think it's a better date in the calendar. Looks like it won't be this date next year because of the Ryder Cup, but I think this date in the calendar has done well for the tournament."
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Everything you need to know from Moving Day at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg.