RORY McILROY celebrates winning his third major title in a thrilling final day of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

McIlroy held off a spirited challenge from Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia yesterday afternoon to become the first European player to win three different majors since the Masters was founded in 1934. And while the Northern Irishman welcomed a first prize of £975,000, his father Gerry and three friends also pocketed £50,000 each after putting £100 on the 15-year-old at 500-1 a decade ago to lift the claret jug before his 26th birthday.

Speaking afterwards, McIlroy said: "This is the first major my mum has been to that I've won, so Mum, this one's for you. I just can't wait to get back and defend this thing at St Andrews next year."