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Fame and glory for Rory McIlroy - Irish youngster celebrates stunning US Open win

McIlroy does the Irish proud

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 8:08 AM

Updated Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 10:21 AM

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Rory McIlroy photographed with the US Open trophy

Photo by Doug Kapustin/MCT

Rory McIlroy stamped his authority on the world golf stage ins style at the weekend. In the process he provided a huge boost for Ireland and the world of sport.

He is an authentic champion who is promising many great days ahead as we watch him mature and develop. It may be too early tos ay so but he may alreadyhave Tiger Woods in his sight.

Just months after a final day collapse at the Augusta Masters, the Ulster youngster showed he is ready for the greatest challenges golf can throw at him.

He didn’t just protect his Saturday lead this time, he actually built on it as the best golfers in the business failed to even threaten his maiden major.

“The whole week has been incredible - I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy,” said McIlroy as America hailed its new champion and the trophy stayed in Northern Ireland after Graeme McDowell’s 2010 win at Pebble Beach.

“For such a small nation to win two US Opens in a row is pretty special. As Graeme said last year, there will be a lot of pints of Guinness going down.

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Rory McIlroy – a Holywood star made in the American newspapers

Rory McIlroy, of the full head of hair, finally gets his reward at the US Open

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“I know a few of my friends will be partying and I can’t wait to get home and join them.”

The Congressional win came just 70 days after McIlroy’s collapse at Augusta when a four shot third round lead was followed by a disastrous 80, leaving him 10 shots off the winning pace at the Masters.

“Augusta was a valuable experience. I knew what I needed to do today to win. I learnt a few things there about myself and my game,” insisted McIlroy.

“I put a few different things into practice and it paid off.”

The youngest US Open winner since the legendary Bobby Jones in 1923, McIlroy is also the second youngest European major winner of all time and the youngest since 1872 when Young Tom Morris captured his fourth and final Open at just 21.

McIlroy celebrated late into the night in Maryland with his proud father Gerry who walked every inch of the course for the four days that will go down in sporting history and golf folklore.

“Happy Father’s Day - this one’s for you,” shouted McIlroy at the presentation ceremony. “I have to mention my mum too - everything they have done for me I can’t thank them enough.”

This is ayoung Irishman we can all be deeply proud of.

Nster.com

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samsams | Jun 22, 2011, 09:19 PM EDT

Just came across this. Speaks for itself. “The Irish Open is very high on the list of tournaments that I would like to win in my career one day,” said McIlroy. “I think every golfer has a special place in his or her heart for their national Open and I am no different. To win in front of a home crowd is something we don’t get the chance to do that often, so I’d love to win the title. “The event was a real success last year with so many people coming down to Killarney to support myself and the other Irish guys. Obviously G-Mac and Padraig were huge draws as well last year and I am sure it will be the same again this year. “The Irish crowds are pretty amazing. They are unique in the way they get behind you and you always want to do well when you are playing in front of them.” ..... Do you feel silly now?

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samsams | Jun 21, 2011, 06:52 PM EDT

cillowen - again - what on earth are you talking about? Just because one calls themselves Northern Irish, or holds a British passport, doesn't mean they're going to be wearing a sash and banging a lambeg drum this summer. Get a grip! He's from a catholic family in a very very unionist part of the country, along with being surrounded by British pop culture and media, this has a huge influence on people's subjective opinion about their own nationality especially if their family are not particularly interested in politics. I too grew up in a unionist area and always, harmlessly, saw myself as Northern Irish as opposed to Irish. Now I'm a little more mature and socially and politically conscious I see myself as Irish (or rather, realise I am Irish) - but not everyone does. This doesn't mean they have unionist politics as such. Northern Ireland is a complex place with all shades of opinion about nationality and all sorts of reasons for those opinions - stop being so narrowminded.

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cillowen | Jun 21, 2011, 12:38 PM EDT

He has to play in Killarney in August whether he likes that prospect or not. I'm saying this based on his proud Unionist leanings (family - all). The mad marching month might tire him out. Him not showing would destroy the all - Ireland Golf tradition that has been for years upon years in vogue. A similiar tradition also holds true for Rugby.

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Jimsteer | Jun 21, 2011, 10:28 AM EDT

THE GREATEST

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