RORY McIlroy is targeting a career grand slam following his major glory yesterday.
The 25-year-old won the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool after holding off a spirited challenge from Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia.
The win helped crown off a fine recovery for the Holywood man following a poor 2013.
Last year, McIlroy failed to make the cut at Murifield and looked a shadow of the player who had won the 2011 US Open and 2012 US PGA Championship.
But now, having claimed the Claret Jug, the Co Down native is just one step away from winning the career grand slam
"It feels absolutely incredible," said McIlroy last night."It's cool that they put your name on there even before you get it.
"It's been an incredible week. I'm happy I gave myself enough of a cushion today, because there was a lot of guys coming at me, especially Sergio and Rickie (Fowler).
“Just to be sitting here and looking at this thing and having my name on it, it's a great feeling. It obviously hasn't sunk in yet. I'm going to enjoy it and let it sink in tonight in the company of my friends and family.
"I'm immensely proud of myself. To sit here 25 years of age and win my third major championship and be three-quarters of the way to the career grand slam, I never dreamed of being at this point in my career so quickly.
"The Open Championship was the one you really wanted growing up, and the one you holed so many putts on the putting green to win, to beat Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, whatever."
Celebrating with the Claret Jug!! Thanks for all the support and well wishes this week! #TheOpen #3outof4 pic.twitter.com/9ZJsV62US0
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) July 20, 2014
McIlroy's two-shot win over Garcia and Fowler makes him the first European player to win three different majors since the Masters was founded in 1934.
He is also the third player after Woods and Jack Nicklaus to win three majors by the age of 25.
And he believes he has the ambition to attempt to match the achievements of Woods and Nicklaus, who have won 14 and 18 majors respectively.
"I definitely hope so," McIlroy said. "I've really found my passion again for golf.
"Not that it ever dwindled, but it's what I think about when I get up in the morning. It's what I think about when I go to bed.
"I just want to be the best golfer that I can be. And I know if I can do that, then trophies like this are within my capability.”
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