It's been a phenomenal week for the Irishman, who saw off the challenge of Sergio Garcia to seal the biggest victory of his career so far.
While he failed to reproduce the scoring of earlier rounds, the 25-year-old never truly looked like choking despite two consecutive bogeys on the front nine.
In winning the Open, McIlroy also managed to net a fortune for his dad Gerry.
Ten years ago McIlroy - along with three friends - bet £400 at odds of 500-1 that Rory would win the Open before the age of 26.
It's going to be quite the party at Hoylake tonight.
