World number two Rory McIlroy put in a much-improved showing at the Texas Open, but he couldn't stop Martin Laird from recording a two-shot victory.

McIlroy, who was a late entry into the event as he looked to arrest a poor run of form, recorded his best finish of the season with a second place after ending the weekend with a strong round of 66.

However, it was no match for Laird's faultless 63 which included nine birdies, three of which came on the final three holes as he closed out the tournament in style with a victory total of 14 under par.

While Laird went without a bogey on Sunday, McIlroy dropped shots on the fourth an tenth and it was those errors that ultimately cost him a shot at the title.

Overnight leader Billy Horschel, who began the day with a two-stroke advantage, endured a frustrating round that never really got going as the American cancelled out three birdies with two bogeys for a final round 71 and a share of third.

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