Rory McIlroy won the 2014 British Open by two strokes in an exciting finish to the British Open finishing with a 71. It marked his third major and the first British Open win.

He embraced his mother in an emotional moment after his victory gained despite a late charge by Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia who closed the six stroke gap to just two at one point early in the round.

Interviewed by ESPN McIlroy said when asked about the tense last round  "I had to keep going about my business. I was able to right the ship... so I was confident." He said he had two trigger words "process" and "spot". to keep him focused.

He said it was emotional to have his mother present, "Itwas the Ffrst makor championship my Mom has been here, really nice to  share a moment with my parents.A lot has happened to me on and off the golf course and my determination has paid off."

His father Gerry McIlroy and his buddies stand to cash in on a 10 year-old-bet  when Rory won the British Open at Royal Liverpool on Sunday.

His father and three mates placed a decade ago - £400sterling at 500/1 – that Mac would win the Open by the age of 25.

A third round 68 has left McIlroy six clear of American Rickie Fowler at Hoylake.

But he was well aware that such a lead can be caught – having won the PGA at Wentworth from seven shots down in May.

He told the BBC: “I know leads can go quickly. That’s why you can’t let yourself think about winning.

“I’ve been on the right side of it and I’ve been on the wrong side of it. You’ve just got to stay completely in the moment and that’s what I’m going to do for all 18 holes tomorrow.”

Sergio Garcia was in contention until a muffed bunker shoto cost him a vital stroke and all chance of beating McIlroy.