Rory McIlroy
McIlroy prevailed by three to claim his first win of the season. Getty Images

Rory McIlroy claimed his maiden victory at the Irish Open after turning around a one-shot deficit with three holes remaining to prevail at the K Club near Dublin. The 27-year-old had led by three shots but Scotland's Russell Knox took the lead, forcing McIlroy to produce some late heroics to claim victory.

Beautiful approaches on the 16th and 18th holes - which led to a title clinching eagle - helped McIlroy win his first title of the season. The four-time major winner had finished in the top six on five separate occasions this term but kept his nerve to complete his maiden win at the event.

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McIlroy will donate his £515,000 prize to The McIlroy Foundation which backs the tournament. "I've won on the world's biggest stages but I don't think I've ever felt pressure like I felt out there today," he said, according to BBC Sport.

"I was trying so hard because you only come home once every year to play in front of your home fans so you don't get the opportunity that often. You're going out with a three shot lead and I knew I had to play well today. I felt like it was slipping away a little bit on the back nine but that finish today I will remember for the rest of my life."