Righto everyone, that's that for another year. It was meant to be McIlroy's title, it ended up being McIlroy's title and chances are he'll win a few more of them. He could well end up being Europe's greatest ever player - and one of a handful of greatest players ever. Night all.

BBC Sport's Conor McNamara on Twitter:, external Rory Glory.

Jay Townsend
Former European Tour golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AFP

"In this day and age you see so many players trying to create torque and coil in their swing, but Rory has a type of swing that won't go away quickly. My old coach said you want a long swing when you're a kid because the older you get it will automatically shorten. His swing is going to last forever.

"Rory has learned from the stuff that's gone on in the last 18 months. He's a clever kid and he learns quickly."

Rickie Fowler carded his fourth consecutive round in the 60s to become only the third player in an Open to achieve the feat and not win.

The other two? Jesper Parnevik in 1994 and twice Open champion Ernie Els a year earlier.

David Leadbetter
Leading golf coach on BBC Radio 5 live

Rory's a streaky player but if he can find that consistency level over the next few years he's going to win a boatload of these majors. He's only 25. He's got a swing that's going to last and that's why he's a little bit streaky.

Image source, Getty Images

Rory McIlroy thanks the usual suspects as he holds the Claret Jug and gives his winner's speech: "The Open is the one we all want, the one we all strive for. To hold this Claret Jug is an amazing feeling.

"The course is a very, very good test of golf. I am delighted with the way it was set up, it seemed to work in my favour. The fans have turned out in their thousands and on behalf of all the players I'd like to say thank you. The support has been terrific all week. Even though I am a Manchester United fan, I still got good support.

"It was a pleasure to play with Rickie and no doubt your time will come, Sergio too. Two of the best players in the world. This is the first major my mother has been at that I have won, so mum, this one is for you. I can't wait to defend this at St Andrews next year."

Ken Brown
BBC Sport commentator

"For home players, he goes to the top apart from Nick Faldo. He is heading in the direction to become a superstar of golf. A superstar of golf is someone who has won five majors or more.

"He is certainly in that league, a fantastic talent, he played some glorious golf, he has abilities others haven't got. Even if he hasn't got his A game he is still a tough man to beat.

"Today was tough but he stuck with it and still seemed confident he would win it."

Former world number one Luke Donald:, external Well done Rory very classy indeed! #OpenChamp

Former Open champion Gary Player:, external Congratulations Rory McIlroy on a fantastic victory at The Open. One more for the Grand Slam.

Former Open winner Nick Faldo:, external Congratulations @McIlroyRory fantastic achievement! Grand Slam awaits!

Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia are welcomed to the stage as joint runners-up, they both receive a silver salver to stick on the top of the telly. Here's Rory McIlroy, 'Champion Golfer of the Year' for 2014...

Image source, AP

So, the presentation has begun, McIlroy will be hugging the Jug in a few minutes, a moment he has probably been dreaming about since he was a wee lad, hitting it about with a plastic club in his back yard in Holywood.

Rickie Fowler, who finished tied for second with Sergio Garcia, on BBC One: "It was a battle for me, I didn't hit my best but I had to fight through it. I made a late run but got on the gas a little bit too late. Rory played very steady. He hit some great shots, a great par save on 17 ended my hopes.

"It has been successful year so far. The main goal was to be in contention in all four majors and we have one more left."

Fowler has finished in the top five in all three of the majors this year.

Audrey Eager:, external How proud we are off him in Ireland! Roll on Rio2016!

Undercover Batman:, external Look out Tiger Woods, here comes the new King of Golf!

Dave Poyser:, external Buzzing for Rory McIlroy if that doesn't make you want to get out on the course I don't know what will!

Image source, AFP

Open champion Rory McIlroy on BBC One: "It feels incredible. Today wasn't easy, a few guys were making runs at me, I needed to stay focused and concentrate. To win three legs of the four majors at 25 is a pretty good achievement, it is not going to sink in for a while.

"The lead never got less than two, I always felt I had that little cushion. Coming into the back nine I know I had holes where I could make birdie. Sixteen was the hole that settled the championship I think. I don't think it matters to my dad so much but the few mates he did the bet with will be very happy."

Rory confirms that his dad has indeed landed 50 grand, having put a punt on his son winning the Open by the age of 25 - when he was only 15. Not just his dad, quite a few of his pals, apparently...

Peter Alliss
BBC Sport commentator

"He has played some beautiful golf. A few little hiccups, moments of drama but what a wonderful champion we have. How proud we are in Great Britain."

Image source, Reuters

McIlroy embraces dad Gerry, mum Rosie and other close family and friends outside the scorer's hut - and here he is, as if by magic, being interviewed by the BBC.. We'll tell you what he's saying in a moment...

John Inverdale
BBC Radio 5 live presenter

"A British sporting superstar is born, because this is the moment that he'll be catapulted into the British sporting conscience unlike when he won his previous two majors."

Peter Alliss
BBC Sport commentator

"He worked hard as a kid, he loved it, his father loved it. He has done it. Three great championships under his belt. I wonder what he is thinking now?"