Rory McIlroy won his third major title after a triumphant campaign in the 2014 British Open in Hoylake, while Tiger Woods failed to live up to expectations in the tournament.

McIlroy was comfortably ahead by six shots heading into the final and he managed to hold on despite late challenges from Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler after making two birdies and an impressive drive in the final hole.

The Northern Irishman closed out with a 1-under 71 and ended up two shots ahead of Garcia and Fowler, successfully scoring a wire-to-wire victory in the tournament.

"I've really found my passion again for golf," McIlroy said via ESPN. "Not that it ever dwindled, but it's what I think about when I get up in the morning. It's what I think about when I go to bed. I just want to be the best golfer that I can be. And I know if I can do that, then trophies like this are within my capability."

McIlroy, the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA Championship winner, also etched his name on record books as the third player to win three majors before turning 26 years old, joining Woods and Jack Nicklaus on the list.

"I'm immensely proud of myself," said McIlroy, who moved up to second place in the world rankings. "To sit here, 25 years of age, and win my third major championship and be three-quarters of the way to a career Grand Slam, I never dreamed of being at this point in my career so quickly."

Meanwhile, Woods failed to live up to expectations in his second tournament off a back surgery in March, finishing in 69th place in this year's Open Championship -- his worst 72-hole finish in any major.

"I just thought that -- I know how to play links golf, I know how to grind it on these golf courses, and hitting the shots I thought I could get around here," said Woods, who ended up 23 shots behind McIlroy. "I did the first day. After a bad start I got it back. And unfortunately, as I said, I made too many mistakes with the doubles and triples."

The 2014 British Open final standing can be seen here and video highlights are available on this link.