‘He’s cocky in a nice way’ – Nicklaus leads tributes to champ

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have combined to salute Rory McIlroy’s performance in capturing the Open title for the first time.

The 25-year-old became the third youngest golfer in the modern era, after the two American greats, to land three of the four Major championships when he triumphed by two strokes at Royal Liverpool on Sunday.

“I like his swagger,” said 18-times Major winner Nicklaus on his official Facebook page. “I like the way he handles himself.