About ten years ago, when Rory McIlroy was just 15 years old, his father places a bet with British betting firm Ladbrokes that his son would win the British Open within 10 years (before Rory turned 26). According to reports from the best online sportsbooks reviews in 2021, the bet was for £200 (about US$341), at 500-to-1 odds. This weekend’s British Open was Rory’s last chance to win under the terms of the wager.

Incredibly, Rory McIlroy won the Open, and his dad is about to win his share of £100,000 (about US$171,000).

Unbelievable story. Here’s the tweet from Ladbrokes confirming the bet:

CONGRATULATIONS RORY: We’re paying out 180k to Rory’s Dad and pals. There’ll be some party at the McIlroy’s tonight!