Rory McIlroy now has Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in his sights

I was a little surprised -- and very happy, of course -- to see Rory win this final major of the year. He had been in a slump most of the summer but regained his form just in time. Way to go, Rory. Good luck at Augusta next spring!

Torbreezy. I get your point. No government mandate was involved. It was Rory's Mum and Dad that encouraged him. Granted the roads and borhereens were created by others. Let me tell you a story. When I was 15 or16 the closest I ever got to a golf course was by delivering a telegram to some barrister or doctor, or some big shot CEO, at Mounthawk Golf Course in Tralee. A nine hole little jewel for the Elegante, or as IC journalist would say the lace curtain Irish. Upon delevering the telegram I was required to collect 6 pence. That was usally a problem but the bartenter would give me the 6 pence, and good guy that he was, a bottle of 'orange chrush' too, with the admonishion, 0ff with you now, drink it on the way. In other words don't hang around here kid with your worn out shoes and holes on your pants. I left Ireland in 1959. I returned in 1970. Mounthawk and the elegante were no longer the power. The average Irishman and woman were now playing golf at the new and famous Tralee Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer (There was nothing to design, he flew over Barrow Strand in a hellicopter and put a hole here and there and that was it. One of the most beautiful courses in the country and open and available to residence. Built and designed by private people, Just like Killarney Colf Club. Just like Stackstown in Dublin. Built by golfer. My point is Freedom. People need freedom.

I watched every moment of the Rory play. I had tears in my eyes at what is now known as the McElroy tree on the Island. Took a penalty and pared the hole. A photo of that tree will be a keepsake. Congratulations Rory lad. keep yer wits about ye, and you will be a Champion. Hell you are a champion. But go on.

Did Rory do this on his own? Or did he have to rely on the golf architect, the course groomer, his caddie? Of course to all of the above and others too but he DID it. Hooray ! ! !

maybe that danish lady has him inspired to do one better. good on ya maite. Can we forget about the mother on his great accomplishments. Pretty impressive. Now if Harrington got his putting to work - but the crossed hand version that he employs is not getting it done for him.

Very interesting, Rebelforce. Thank you. Based upon what we know now, the murder was probably coordinated by or with the RUC.

A British loyalist terrorist group, the Ulster Volunteer Force, murdered Rory McIlroy's great-uncle in 1972. According to previously published reports, the great-uncle, Joseph McIlroy, a Catholic, moved into a Protestant area of East Belfast when the Troubles were at their height. Presumably, he had faith in the essential reasonableness of his neighbors. It was misplaced. He was shot dead in his kitchen. No one was ever convicted for the murder. Let's hope Rory has getting justice for his murdered uncle in his sights too.

Rory, congratulations. You are doing a tremendous job representing Northern Ireland. Keep up the good work.

Congratulations Irish!