Rory McIlroy extinguished any doubts about his frame of mind following his disastrous final round at the Masters by smashing records on his way to victory at the US Open at Congressional in Maryland.
Fittingly, the tournament finishes every year on Fathers’ Day, and Rory’s wished his own dad Gerry a happy one as he walked off the final green.
Now back home in Northern Ireland with the trophy, he acknowledged the role both his parents Gerry and Rosie played in making it possible for his dreams as a young boy to come to fruition.
He said: “I can’t thank my parents enough for what they’ve done for me and winning the US Open is only a tiny little bit of my appreciation for what they’ve done, so hopefully there’s more trophies for them in the future and more things for us to share and celebrate.”
Just 12 months ago, fellow countryman Graeme McDowell became the first European in 40 years to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin’s success in 1970. For the trophy to remain in Northern Ireland for a second consecutive year is something special, said McDowell. “The probability of Northern Ireland producing back-to-back US Open champions is a lottery number,” he added.
McDowell, who was at the final green to watch his colleague and friend sink the winning putt, was quick to praise the 22-year-old from Holywood, Co Down.
“My hat’s off to Rory this week,” he said. “It’s been waiting to happen. He’s been this good for a long time, and it’s great to see him fulfill his potential. He’s an awesome player.”
He continued: “Nothing this kid does ever surprises me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have a chance to play with Tiger [Woods] when he was in his real pomp, and this guy is the best I’ve ever seen, simple as that. He’s great for golf. He’s a breath of fresh air for the game and perhaps we’re ready for golf’s next superstar, and maybe Rory is it.”
McIlroy’s career is still in its infancy, having turned professional in September 2007 just a couple of months after making the cut and finishing at tied 42 as an amateur at the British Open at Carnoustie.
The rise of the Irishman to number four in the world golf rankings is based on his consistency to finish high up the leaderboard rather than the winning of multiple events. Prior to his triumph in Bethesda, his first win on the European Tour was the Dubai Desert Classic in February 2009, while his initial victory on the USPGA Tour was the Quail Hollow Championship in May 2010.
Aside from these two titles, McIlroy has four top-10 finishes in Major championships, not to mention being tied for tenth at the US Open in 2009 and tied for third later that year at the USPGA Championship. The following year he finished tied for third at both the British Open and the USPGA Championship.
This small island of Ireland has now won an amazing five Major championships in the past four years, between McIlroy, McDowell and Padraig Harrington (British Open 2007, 2008 and USPGA 2008). Before Harrington won his first Major, the only previous Irish winner was Fred Daly back in 1947 when he won the British Open.
McIlroy has chosen to take a rest from golf until 14 July when the British Open starts at Royal St Georges Golf Club in Kent. And one thing is for sure – all eyes will be on the big hitter from Holywood.
