Rory McIlroy has secured his first Open Championship. Gaining entry into an elite club that includes Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win three majors by the age of 25.
McIlroy showed no signs of the “freaky Friday” curse that seems to have played havoc with his game recently. Coming out strong with 66s Thursday and Friday last week to give him a good lead going into the halfway mark at the weekend.
The Nike player followed up his great start with a 68 on Saturday before finishing yesterday with a 71, two-strokes ahead of joint runner-ups Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.
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“It feels incredible,” said McIlroy afterwards. “Today wasn't easy. There were a lot of guys making runs at me and I just needed to stay focused, keep in the present and concentrate on what I was doing out there.”
The 25-year-old’s focus was definitely there this year at Hoylake, a stark contrast to his Open Championship appearance 12 months ago at Muirfield, where McIlroy failed to make the cut for the first time in his career.
“I had never missed a cut at the Open before. And I really missed playing the weekend (at Muirfield),” explained McIlroy. “I said to myself, I'll try to never make that happen again. It's been huge what a difference a year makes, I guess. But it's turned into a great year.”
The golfer now joins the race to complete the coveted Grand Slam of majors. With McIlroy making it clear yesterday that he already has the green jacket on his mind.
Telling reporters, “I'll be going into Augusta next year pretty confident.”
Check out some of the equipment that helped McIlroy claim the Claret Jug for the first time in his career.
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour Driver
Wedges: Nike VR Forged Wedge (47, 53 and 59 Degrees)
Balls: Nike RZN Black Golf Balls