The 2014 British Open Golf Event has been run and won by Rory Mcilroy who won the event by 2 strokes ahead of Sergio Garcia and Ricky Fowler who were tied for second only 2 strokes behind the champion.
Mcilroy started the day six shots in front and scrapped his way through the final round in an effort to hold off the strong finish by Garcia who flew through the first 10 holes in 5 under par. Garcias undoing proved to be the 15th hole where he took 2 shots to get out of the greenside bunker and the 16th saw Mcilroy birdie the hole to maintain a comfortable lead going into the final 2 holes. Mcilory held his nerve and completed his round to win his first British Open on home soil.
The 25 year old Irishman has joined an elite group of players to have won 3 legs of the Grand Slam at that age, a feat accomplished by none other than Tiger Woods and Jack Nicholas.
His playing partner Ricky Fowler had a great final round of 5 under par but the lead he gave away at the start of the day was to much to make up. A gallant effort from the Bushnell Golf ambassador but unfortunately he fell short. For more info on Bushnell devices visit : www.sportgps.com.au Fowler is still young and proving to hold his own in major events now so look out for him in the future.
An interesting fact regarding this years event…We all know that players are not allowed to bet on the eventual outcome of events, but a 200 pound bet placed way back in 2004 by none other than Mcilroys father proved to be a winner. Gerry Mcilroy has become $171,000 richer after placing the bet that his son would win the British open within 10 year. If we do the math, back in 2004 he received odds of 500/1 for his son to achieve the feat.
The bet was placed when Rory was 15 years old and Gerry hinted that he may have been in for a bigger win had the betting house Ladbrokes allowed him to place a larger wager. Either way, it looks like there is going to be some party at the Mcilroy household after this event. Well done to both, and Gerry hats off for having the confidence in young Rory to pull it off!