Gerry McIlroy may be the one thanking his kid soon. (Toni L. Sandys / WASHINGTON POST)
Think Rory McIlroy can win the British Open?
His dad does.
Way back when Rory was 15, Gerry McIlroy and three friends each kicked in £100 and wagered £400 at 500-1 odds that Rory would be drinking from the Claret Jug before he was 25.
Now Rory is the 7-1 favorite to win the Open next month at Royal St. George’s and, even if he doesn’t win this year, he’s only 22. There’s plenty of time for Gerry and the guys to pocket £200,000 ($350,000 U.S.) on one of the smartest bets anyone has made.
And, just think, there could have been a bigger payday.
”That was all the bookies would let us put on, £100 apiece. But that bet is looking better and better.”
