ISM’s Rory McIlroy narrowly missed out on a maiden European Tour victory at the Omega European Masters on Sunday, producing his best ever professional performance to finish second after a dramatic play-off.

Jean-Francois Lucquin, from France, rolled in a birdie at the second extra hole after McIlroy missed a short putt for par.

The teenager from Northern Ireland was disappointed not to win after going into the final round with a four shot lead, but can draw huge positives from such a strong performance.

“Of course it's been a bit disappointing given the way I started, but if you'd asked me when I was at the Walker Cup last September I'd have taken this," said McIlroy.

"I got my card last year without having to go to the qualifying school and I've already earned enough this season to keep my card.

"I got very unlucky on the 18th in regulation where I got a pretty big bounce with my sand-wedge third shot. I hit a good chip, but not a very good putt. At the first play-off hole my putt again shaved the edge.

"Then the second time around, it really didn't matter as he holed his which made me feel a bit better after missing my par putt.

"But I can take a lot from this week and it's just that one bad shot cost me. I came here after three missed cuts in a row and found a bit of form. I have played well all week and it just would have been nice to go home with the trophy.

However, the 19-year-old is satisfied with the way he has developed and he remains very hopeful for the future, adding "I have plenty more tournaments, even this year, to play. It would have been great to get a win but I still have the rest of my career. Though right now I am very disappointed. But c'est la vie."

"I've just got to stay patient. I'm hitting it as well as I have all year and if I keep improving like I am I know that in six years' time I'm going to be a pretty good player."

Despite his frustration at missing out, McIlroy was gracious in defeat by electing to sign countless autographs ahead of the official prize presentation.

McIlroy earned a prize cheque of €222,220 that has seen him leap 43 spots to 46th on the Order of Merit with earnings in his first full rookie year of €490,577.