Rory McIlroy tops European Tour's all time money list following Open Championship finish

Rory McIlroy has overtaken Lee Westwood as the all-time top earner on the European Tour following his tied second-placed finish at the Open Championship.

The Northern Irishman, who finished two shots back from winner Francesco Molinari, pocketed well over £500,000 in prize money at Carnoustie. The initial prize fund for second was £824,000, though that was reduced given there was a tie.

McIlroy’s winnings meant he surpassed Westwood, who finished in a tie for 61^st place, and now tops the list for money earned on the European tour at a whopping €35,110,780.

The 29-year-old has won 13 times on the European Tour, his first title coming at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, and has won the Race to Dubai on three occasions, most recently in 2015.

After a slow start on the final day at Carnoustie, an eagle on the 14^th shot McIlroy into contention.

Speaking after his final round, he said: "It was great, just to be a part of it and hear the roars, Tiger being back in the mix - everything.

"There were a lot of big names up there and it was nice to be a part of it. For a while, I thought Tiger was going to win and my mindset was, 'go and spoil the party here'.

"It was cool, really cool. I have no regrets. I played the way I wanted to play this week and it gives me a lot of encouragement going into the final major of the year."