McIlroy shared the lead with Gotterup going into Sunday’s final round and led after the American dropped a shot on the first.
Bogey on three set him back, before three birdies in five holes leading up to the ninth reignited his charge and returned him to the summit.
However, in unerringly similar scenes to his final round at the 2022 Open at St Andrews – when his inability to hole putts on the back nine prevented him beating Cam Smith – McIlroy’s putter was cold and Gotterup edged to victory.
“It was pretty windy and was hard to get the ball super close, but I gave myself plenty of chances coming down the stretch,” the Northern Irishman said.
“I feel like the greens got a little bumpy. I had some good putts that just didn’t go in, whether they were mis-reads or poor speed.
“But I feel like I’ve gotten out of this week what I wanted. I’m looking forward to getting to Portrush tonight and getting out on to the golf course early tomorrow.”
