Rory McIlroy has issued his congratulations to Ernie Els after the South African won the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes earlier today.

Els capitalised on a number of dropped shots from overnight leader Adam Scott on the back nine to claim the fourth major title of his career by one shot.

While praising Els, McIlroy also took the time to offer Scott some words of encouragement.

"Big congrats to Ernie!! 4 time major champion. Know how Adam feels right now, not a great place, but he will be back! Too good not to be," the Northern Irish golfer wrote on Twitter.

McIlroy ended the tournament eight over par.