Rory McIlroy began the day with the lead at the Irish Open, but costly mistakes down the stretch sealed his fate.

Outside of the major championships, a victory is a victory is a victory. Most of the time anyway. But every player on every tour has an event closest to his heart, the one he yearns to win, especially at a special time and place.

Rory McIlroy struggled down the stretch yet again as he was unable to claim victory in his hometown at the Irish Open.