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Julio Cesar Valdera Morales is a Newsweek contributor based in Spain. His focus is golf as well as politics and economics. Julio has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously practiced law. Julio earned his Masters Degree at the University of Havana. You can get in touch with Julio by emailing j.morales@newsweek.com.

Julio Cesar Valdera Morales

Contributing Sports Writer

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After winning three PGA Tour events this season, including the Masters Tournament, and completing the career Grand Slam, few thought another title could still strike a chord with Rory McIlroy. But winning the Irish Open proved that golf still motivates him to no end.

However, it was the fans who raved about him at The K Club who left the deepest mark on McIlroy. So much so, that the five-time major winner dedicated his reaction message to them after his victory on Sunday.

“To win my National Open in front of these fans was absolutely incredible,” he posted on X. “I love coming home, I love playing in this atmosphere and I’ll never take it for granted. Forever grateful for the support.”

Earlier, during a post-victory interview on the event broadcast, McIlroy had offered heartfelt thanks to the fans for their support.

“This is absolutely incredible, I love coming home,” he said, according to the transcripts. “I love playing in this atmosphere. Yeah, these are — moments like this, these are the things you’re going to remember well after your career is over. This is a really special day.”

“I feel very fortunate because there’s probably very few golfers in the world that get the support that I get when I go home. Maybe Jon Rahm in Spain. There’s maybe a few others, but this is absolutely incredible. I don’t take it for granted. I feel very grateful and very lucky that I get to do this. Can’t wait to celebrate tonight.”

McIlroy delivered another spectacular performance at The K Club during the final round to win the Irish Open. Six shots behind the leader with just 12 holes remaining, the Northern Irishman managed to stay in contention and even close the gap. However, he reached the 18th hole two shots behind.

It was then that he unleashed all his skill and carded an eagle on the hole, including holing a 27-foot putt, to force a playoff.

In sudden death, he faced Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren. Both players birdied the first two holes, but McIlroy took the title by birdieing the third hole as well, something his opponent couldn’t match.

This is McIlroy’s second Irish Open title, having previously won it in 2016, also at The K Club. This victory marks his 20th on the DP World Tour and the 45th of his professional career.

More Golf: McIlroy Receives Rules Warning, Calls Out Officials’ Lack of ‘Common Sense’