Rory McIlroy Wins The British Open; His Dad Gains $171k From Bet

When Rory McIlroy won the British Open last Sunday at Royal Liverpool, his dad had every reason to celebrate not just because his son has done the family name proud, but because he cashed in $171,000 from a bet. 

The website Ajc.com reported that based on the details recorded by the Landbrokes betting firm, Rory McIlroy's father has bet on the winning ticket at a 500-to-1 odds back in 2004. He wagered on Rory McIlroy winning at the British Open in 10 years time, which falls this year, 2014.

Espn.com added that some friends of the golfer's dad also get to experience a combined windfall worth $136,700 for their similar bets in 2005. 

At the time his dad placed the bet, Rory McIlroy, now a professional golfer from North Ireland who resides in Hollywood, was just a 15-year-old teen. A budding pro-golfer at that time, his dad had total confidence in his ability to succeed. His prodigious ability manifested early on when he triumphed at the 2004 Junior Ryder cup with the European team. 

Based on the observation of New York Times, Rory McIlroy had the opportunity to ease into a more convenient career life after his two consecutive wins at the 2012 United States Open and 2012 PGA Championship: He could have become the other half of a world-traveling celebrity couple by marrying tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. 

But he chose not to. Instead, he set his heart on further honing his talent and eventually carving a name for himself in golf, culminating in the Rory McIlroy win in British Open.  

By May 2012, he cut off his engagement just as the wedding invites were underway. While 2013 saw him get involved in two more high-profile product endorsement breakups. He traded promoting Titleist clubs for Nike apparel and equipment, and dropping his boutique management company, which the case currently in litigation following the messy separation.