Rory McIlroy avoided any last-round dramas to claim the British Open Championship by two strokes at Royal Liverpool overnight. The Northern Irishman led by six shots heading into the final day and fended off strong challenges from Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler before lifting the Claret Jug for the first time.
Already with two majors to his name before the tournament, McIlroy, who finished at 17-under, said this was the event he most coveted. “The Open is the one we all want and the one we strive for,” he said.
“To be holding the Claret Jug is an incredible feeling. Today wasn’t easy. There were a few guys making runs at me out there. I knew I had some holes where I could make birdie and 16 was the real hole for me which I think settled the championship.”
McIlroy said having his mother present in the gallery made the win extra special. “It was just great to see her on the back of the 18th there and how much it meant to her,” he said. “I was trying not to cry at the time because she was bawling her eyes out.”
There was plenty of emotion on display throughout the day – not all of it positive. As well as his golf rivals, McIlroy had to contend with a heckler for much of his round before asking officials to remove the troublesome spectator.
“He was giving me grief all day and I sort of put up with it for the first 15 holes,” McIlroy said. “Then he deliberately coughed on my downswing on the 16th tee. I still hit a great drive, but I heard it halfway down and knew who it was.”
Aussie world No.1 Adam Scott finished the tournament in fifth after carding a six-under 66 to end at 12-under. Countryman Marc Leishman also finished fifth after closing his campaign with a 65.
