Rory McIlroy is back on top of the world – after winning the USPGA title at Kiawah Island on Sunday night, and Tiger Woods’ total of 14 major golf titles is now on his radar.
The 23-year-old from Holywood in County Down secured the second Major of his career as he swept the field aside. He has now won two majors at the same age as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, putting him on pace to match those two legends.
Tiger was among those he left in his wake during his final two rounds but Woods was very much on McIlroy’s mind.
"Tiger's greatness has paid off for all of us who dream," said McIlroy. "I'm sure Jack Nicklaus did for him what he has done for the guys right now who want to be among the best. When I think about it, how can I be satisfied with two majors alongside the 14 Tiger has won, the 18 Jack has won. For me, it's a target.
"You want to go on. You want to try to become one of the greats. You want to keep dreaming. I hope I never stop."
Fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell thinks it is possible.
"It's tough to say that Rory is a Tiger Woods-type player," said McDowell. "Tiger Woods is a once-in-a-lifetime type player, and Rory McIlroy is at least a once-in-a-decade type player. He's that good."
McIlroy returned to the top of the world rankings after his eight shot victory in South Carolina.
A bogey free round of 66 saw off the best golfers in the world as Rory added the final major of the season to his 2011 US Open win.
With dad Gerry on hand at the course and his mum Rosie watching on TV back home in Ireland, McIlroy was lost for words after lifting the Wannamaker Trophy.
He admitted, “I had a good feeling at the start of the week but I never imagined doing this.
“I don’t think I have let it sink in yet - it was a great round of golf - I am speechless.
“I got off to a bit of a shaky start, but settled into it and I thought my putting today was phenomenal.”
McIlroy embraced his dad at the side of the 18th green after sinking the sixth and final birdie of a glorious Sunday for Irish golf.
“Thanks dad and thanks mum - I’m sure she’s watching at home. I had a good feeling at the start, but I never imagined doing this,” added McIlroy at the victory presentation.
“It means an awful lot to look at the names on that trophy and put mine alongside them.”
Here's the Daily Telegraph report on Rory McIlroy's win:
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.DavyOMalley | Aug 15, 2012, 08:41 AM EDT
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!
Tom Mo | Aug 13, 2012, 09:06 PM EDT
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.
Tom Mo | Aug 13, 2012, 08:00 PM EDT
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.
torbreezy | Aug 13, 2012, 05:49 PM EDT
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 ! ! !
cillowen | Aug 13, 2012, 05:25 PM EDT
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.
curtisjohnson | Aug 13, 2012, 02:42 PM EDT
Very interesting, Rebelforce. Thank you. Based upon what we know now, the murder was probably coordinated by or with the RUC.
Rebelforce | Aug 13, 2012, 02:31 PM EDT
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.
MegK311 | Aug 13, 2012, 01:41 PM EDT
Rory, congratulations. You are doing a tremendous job representing Northern Ireland. Keep up the good work.
Murph46 | Aug 13, 2012, 11:06 AM EDT
Congratulations Irish!