On Sunday in Hoylake, England, Rory McIlroy became the third youngest golfer to capture three-legs of the career Grand Slam with his two-stroke victory at the 2014 British Open. McIlroy's father also collected a bunch of cash with his son's win at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
McIlroy captured his third major victory, after triumphs at the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2012 PGA Championship, making him the first ever European player to capture three different majors. He now only needs a victory at the Masters to solidify the career Grand Slam. The Northern Irish professional finished 17-under par, two strokes ahead of both Rickie Fowler (USA) and Sergio Garcia (Spain) who were 15-under par for the tournament. He collected over $1.6 million with the victory.
Perhaps a more interesting story is one of Rory's father, Gerry McIlroy. Ten years ago when Rory was 15 years old, his father, according to a spokesperson from Ladbrokes (a British betting firm), placed a 200-pound wager ($341) on 500/1 odds that his son would win the Open Championship before he turned 26 years old. Rory accomplished the feat at 25 years, two months, and 16 days. His father will collect an estimated $171,000.
"Honestly, that 50 grand [pounds] that he's going to win is way -- I mean, the other three friends that he did that with, they're going to be very happy," said Rory McIlroy, in this ESPN article, unaware of the exact amount his father won. "He's never reminded me. I knew that he'd done it. I'm not sure if it will pay out. If it does, it's a nice little bonus."
Although his father's bet was impressive, McIlroy's resume is now even more so. After Sunday's victory, McIlroy joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only golfers at the age of 25 who won a major at 16-under or better, won three or more majors, and won three legs of a career Grand Slam. With his victory at the 2012 PGA Championship, he also joined Nicklaus and Woods as the only ones to win a major by eight or more shots at 25 years old or younger.
McIlroy never relinquished the lead since he finished with a 66 on Thursday to go 6-under par at the beginning of the tournament. He then shot another 66 on Friday, followed by a 68 on Saturday, and then a 71 on Sunday. He became the first start-to-finish winner since Tiger Woods at St. Andrews in 2005. McIlroy is now projected to move up to number two in the Official World Golf Rankings behind Adam Scott.
You can read more about Rory McIlroy's victory at the 2014 British Open in this ESPN article.
