Intro:

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy won his third major title on Sunday (20th July) after capturing the Open Championship by two shots over Rickie Fowler of the United States and Spain's Sergio Garcia at Royal Liverpool in England.

Script:

A thrilling day of golf at Hoylake was capped in spectacular fashion as Rory McIlroy clinched his first Open Championship and third major title with a two-shot victory.

The Northern Irishman joined an elite club thanks to the victory.

He is now one of three players in history to win three of golf's modern majors by the age of 25 joining Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

McIlroy will undoubtedly set his sights on the Masters now, the only major he is yet to win, and the tournament that would enable him to complete a Grand Slam.

Only five players have won all four majors in their career - Nicklaus, Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

The 25-year-old started the day six shots clear and fired a final round of 71 to finish 17 under.

Sergio Garcia ensured the pressure stayed on McIlroy as he got to within two strokes on three occasions, shooting 66 for the day.

Rickie Fowler also produced an impressive performance following his runner-up finish at the US Open, going round the course in 67.

Jim Furyk closed the day in fourth, matching his career best finish from 2006. The 44-year-old showing age is no factor as he shot a 65 to end the day 13 under par.

McIlroy will add the Claret Jug to the 2011 US Open and the 2012 PGA Championship and becomes the second Northern Irishman to win the Open in four years after Darren Clarke's victory at Royal St George's in 2011.