McIlroy Wins The Open

County Down golfer Rory McIlroy has won the Open championship at Royal Liverpool.

The win makes McIlroy, who was born in Holywood, the third golfer ever to win three major tournaments by the age of 25, after Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

In a joint statement, Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Ministers said: "We congratulate Rory on becoming the 2014 Open Champion. He has delivered a golfing masterclass over the last four days at Royal Liverpool.

"Having won three Majors, Rory now joins golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win three majors by the age of 25. Rory is an exceptionally talented golfer and with his strong work ethic, he will undoubtedly go on to achieve many more great wins in his career.

"Rory is a fine ambassador for Northern Ireland. We are all very proud of his achievements and hopefully he can carry this rich vain of form into the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September."

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Rory McIlroy's impressive victory at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool has once again put Northern Ireland firmly in the centre of the media spotlight for all the right reasons. It was wonderful to see him lift the famous Claret Jug and become the first golfer in nine years to win the Championship 'wire to wire', having led the field after every round.

"Rory is a tremendous ambassador for Northern Ireland and today’s historic result will present even more opportunities to tell the world what makes this place so special. He said this week that bringing The Open Championship back to Portrush was the best decision the R&A has ever made - and of course I agree with him. It will be the biggest sporting event ever held here and will showcase our golfing tourism product to a wider audience than ever before."

(IT/CD)