RORY McILROY may not have won the Open by the same margin as in his two previous major victories, but the 25-year-old's victory still delighted him.

"I'm immensely proud of myself," he said. "To sit here at 25 years of age and win my third major championship and be three-quarters of the way to the career grand slam - I never dreamed of being at this point in my career so quickly."

His rivals and his most famous fan were also quick to sing his praises.

PHIL MICKELSON: "It's obviously very impressive golf. It's not an easy golf course and he's got complete control of what he's doing."

Rickie Fowler: "I really don't have any doubt that he'll win [the Masters at Augusta]. I don't see any reason why he's not going to win there. It's hard to say that there's really any course that doesn't suit him when he's on his game and I've seen him play very well there."

Adam Scott: "When he's in rhythm he's phenomenal. He doesn't have weaknesses and he has more strengths than most anyone else. When he's in rhythm, you'll see him shoot low numbers all the time."

Jim Furyk "He played great. He was tested a few times. Rickie made a run on him yesterday and he answered the call late on the back nine. And Sergio [Garcia] has made a pretty good run at him today. But he stayed patient, it seems like. He's made a ton of pars, not very many mistakes and that's what it takes to win major championships."

Darren Clarke, on Twitter: "Delighted for @McIlroyRory. Best player won this week and I think it may be only the 1st of many times his name is etched on the jug!"

BILL CLINTON, on Twitter: "Congrats @McIlroyRory on your 2014 British Open title. See you for another round next time I'm in Ireland."