Rory McIlroy stated his belief that he will soon end his almost decade-long run without a Major title after coming third in the 150th Open.
Cameron Smith claimed the Claret Jug after a course record score of 20-under par was sealed with a stunning final round on Sunday, having started the day four shots behind the Northern Irishman.
With his last of four Major titles coming in 2014, the drought will have reached its ninth year when McIlroy, 33, gets the chance to claim another in next April’s Masters - although he has generally performed well in all four tournaments this year.
“I'll rue a few missed putts that slid by, but it's been a good week overall,” he stated.
“I can't be too despondent because of how this year's went and this year's going.
“I'm playing some of the best golf I've played in a long time. So it's just a matter of keep knocking on the door, and eventually one will open.
“At the end of the day, it's not life or death. I'll have other chances to win The Open Championship and other chances to win Majors. It's one that I feel like I let slip away, but there will be other opportunities."
Smith, 28, was left speechless by his superb run to the Open crown which broke Tiger Woods’ record around the Old Course to lift his first Major crown.
“I think to win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer's highlight in their career,” said the Australian.
“To do it around St Andrews I think is just unbelievable. This place is so cool. I love the golf course. I love the town. To have the 150th Open here and to walk away with the win is just something that I have dreamt of.
“It's unreal to look at these names on this trophy and then add mine, I'm lost for words. I'm definitely going to find out how many beers fit in this thing, that's for sure.”
