McIlroy ends Open debut in style

The 18-year-old from Holywood near Belfast, already assured of the silver medal for best amateur, fired a one-over-par 72 in the final round.

McIlroy bogeyed the fifth and sixth holes in treacherous conditions before hitting back with birdies on 13 and 14.

Shots were dropped on 15 and 16 but the birdie on the final hole saw him end the tournament on five over.

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McIlroy, who started with a 68 on Thursday, was delighted with his first appearance in a major.

"I have played really well - I probably did not hit the ball as well as I did during the first two days but it was great to finish off with a birdie," he said.

Carnoustie photos:
McIlroy's Open

"It has just been awesome - the crowd and the atmosphere. I fed off that all week.

"It has just been incredible and hopefully I will qualify next year and have a great time again."

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