Rahm seals Irish Open victory with a kiss

Spaniard Jon Rahm has fired two eagles and five birdies in his final round to seal a record-breaking win at the Irtish Open.

Spain's Jon Rahm kisses girlfriend Kelley Cahill

Spain's Jon Rahm kisses girlfriend Kelley Cahill as he celebrates winning the Irish Open. (AAP)

Jon Rahm enhanced his burgeoning reputation by winning the Irish Open by six strokes and a record tournament score on Sunday.

The Spaniard shot a seven-under 65 in a final round marked by two eagles and rules controversy.

The 22-year-old Rahm, one of the hottest young players in world golf, holed out from 150 yards for eagle on No.4 and strung together four-straight birdies from No.7 to turn what was promising to be a tight final day into a procession at Portstewart Golf Club.

The 11th-ranked Rahm added a second eagle with a long putt on the par-5 14th to put more distance to his chasers, led by David Drysdale after his course-record 63 early in the day.

Rahm finished on 24-under 264 overall -- breaking the record to par by three shots -- for a second victory of 2017, and in little over a year as a professional.

He avoided being handed a two-shot penalty for replacing his ball incorrectly on the sixth green, after emails and calls from TV viewers.

Andy McPhee, chief referee of the European Tour, said Rahm made a "reasonable judgement" after having moved his marker one putter length to the side to get it off the line of playing partner Daniel Im.

Richie Ramsay (65) and Matthew Southgate (66) were tied for second on 18 under, with Drysdale tied for fourth alongside Justin Rose, New Zealander Ryan Fox and overnight joint-leader Im.

Ramsay, Fox and Drysdale qualified for the British Open at Royal Birkdale, which starts July 20, courtesy of their top-10 finishes.

Wade Ormsby (68) was the best of the Australian in a tie for 14th at 13-under with Scott Hend (73) and Andrew Dodt (70) a show further back in a group tied 20th.


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Source: AAP



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