 McIlroy's wins this year include the West of Ireland and Irish Close |
Holywood teenager Rory McIlroy earned himself a place in next year's Open Championship at Carnoustie by winning the European Amateur title on Saturday. Overnight, McIlroy was two shots ahead at the Biella club near Milan and he went on to win by three strokes.
The youngster hit a five-under-par 68 to finish on 18 under par and three ahead of England's Stephen Lewton.
"It's definitely my biggest win so far. It gets me into the Open so it's a special feeling," McIlroy told the BBC.
"I was two under from my opening nine holes after birdieing two of the par-fives and while I did bogey the 10th, I played the last four holes in three under which was very pleasing.
"I was pretty relaxed going into today. I knew I was playing well and it was just a matter of holing a few putts when I needed to."
McIlroy has little time to celebrate his success as he will be in action for Great Britain & Ireland in the St Andrews Trophy in the Czech Republic next week.
The Holywood youngster has won the Irish Close and West of Ireland this year and looks odd-on for next year's Walker Cup team.
Previous Irish winners of the European event include Paddy Gribben, Stephen Browne and Brian McElhinney.
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