Agony continues for Rory McIlroy with BMW PGA play-off defeat but huge runner up cheque will soften blow

The prizemoney on offer for Rory McIlroy at Wentworth will make up for defeat in some way but Holywood man is getting closer by the week to victory

Rory McIlroy's season of near misses continued on Sunday as he lost out to Billy Horschel after a play-off at the BMW PGA Championship.

The Northern Irishman has lost out in agonising fashion in numerous occasions this season including at the Irish Open last week at Royal County Down. The four-time major winner led by two shots on home soil with four holes remaining before being pipped at the death by Rasmus Hojgaard.

He carried his form into this week's tournament at Wentworth were he pushed for top spot over the four days. On Sunday he produced a superb eagle at 17 to take it to a play-off along with Billy Horschel and Thriston Lawrence.

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McIlroy and Horschel couldn't be separated after the first time down the 18th as Lawrence dropped out. Both men found the green to set up eagle opportunities with McIlroy going first and having to settle for a birdie.

Horschel kept his nerve and dropped a monster point to seal victory. The 2021 champion also walked away with a cheque for $1.5m.

Despite the disappointment of finish second again McIlroy completed a good week's work by lifting $990,000. That comes just a week after securing over £500,000 at the Irish Open.

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