Golf legend criticised after making Rory McIlroy's Irish Open win 'all about him'

Multiple major champion Sir Nick Faldo came under scrutiny from golf fans in the immediate aftermath of Rory McIlroy's latest win after he was quick to remind everyone he triumphed at the Irish Open three times in a row. 

McIlroy, 36, held his nerve on Sunday at the K Club to seal his fourth individual win of the season in what will undoubtedly go down as the best year of his career. 

The reigning Masters champion edged out Sweden's Joakim Lagergren in a three-hole play-off. 

In a truly unbelievable finish, McIlroy holed at 25-foot eagle putt on the 72nd to force extra holes, sparking ecstatic scenes. 

What transpired will truly go down as a contender for the greatest moment in DP World Tour history. 

McIlroy later told reporters the victory felt like 'redemption' given his near miss 12 months ago. 

He also warned the US Ryder Cup team he 'isn't finished yet'. 

Faldo, 68, watched McIlroy's thrilling victory and took to X on Sunday afternoon to say how proud he was to have won the tournament three times in a row in his pomp. 

The Englishman won at Killarney in 1991 and 1992. He completed the hat-trick at Mount Juliet in 1993. 

Some golf fans pointed out Faldo "really loves himself". 

One commented: "Will you ever give it a rest? Always make it about you."

Another added: "You never miss a chance to make it about you."

@NickCauser posted: "Genuine question and I ask with respect as you are clearly a legend of the game, but how do you make every current golf moment about yourself?"

McIlroy warns Team USA he isn't finished

There is absolutely no denying McIlroy went off the boil after he completed the career grand slam at The Masters. 

He took a few weeks out to celebrate the fulfilment of a childhood ambition and, when he returned, appeared to have difficulty with his driver. 

But his Irish Open win demonstrates he is hitting the right notes at the right time. 

McIlroy and Team Europe will head to Bethpage Black after competing at the BMW PGA Championship this week at Wentworth. 

He told reporters on Sunday that he's 'very happy' his game is in good shape. 

"To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that's a pretty cool year," he said. 

"2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.

"As I said, we're not finished yet. I've got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone's looking forward to the Ryder Cup.

"I'm just so happy my game's in good shape. I feel like I'm playing well and I'm excited for what's coming up."