Rory McIlroy Open Championship Week in Review

Golf Monthly takes a look back at the past week for Rory McIlroy, your 2014 Open champion

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Golf Monthly takes a look back at the past week for Rory McIlroy, your 2014 Open champion

143rd Open Championship - Previews

 

Rory McIlroy talks to the media during a practice round before the start of the Open. He maintained that he was optimistic about his game heading into the week, despite a shaky 2014 thus far. Photography: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Previews

McIlroy celebrates after winning a bet against Darren Clarke after their practice round prior to the start of the Open. Photography: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round One

 

McIlroy started the tournament off strong, posting a first round score of 66 to put him at the top of the leader board, a position that he would hold throughout the weekend. Photography: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round Two

McIlroy continued his success on Friday, posting yet another 66 to move to 12-under par. He held a four shot lead over Dustin Johnson heading into the weekend. Photography: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round Three

 

McIlroy celebrates after making a birdie putt on the 14th hold during his third round. He eagled holes 16 and 18 to head into Sunday with a six shot lead over Rickie Fowler. Photography: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round Four

McIlroy endured a shaky start to his final round en route to the championship. Following back-to-back bogeys on the 5th and 6th holes, his lead over Sergio Garcia dipped to just two strokes. Photography: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round Four

 

McIlroy held on to his two stroke lead, secured by his two-putt on the 18th green to clinch his Open Championship title. Photography: Andrew Redlington/Getty Images

143rd Open Championship - Round Four

McIlroy becomes the third player three major titles before turning 26, joining Jack Nickalus and Tiger Woods. He will have the opportunity to complete his career Grand Slam next spring in Augusta. Photography: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Mike Smith is an American undergraduate student studying journalism and political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is spending the summer living in London, studying British life and culture and working for Golf Monthly. He is excited to gain international working experience, as his career goal is to work in sports journalism.