Rory McIlroy Wins US Open – The youngest champion for a long time

June 20, 2011

Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy’s success in clinching the US Open championship has been hailed as an “outstanding achievement”.

The 22-year-old from Holywood, County Down, broke a series of records as he won his first major title with an eight shot victory.

Now ranked fourth in the world, he is not expected back in Northern Ireland until Wednesday at the earliest.

In a message posted on twitter he said he was “proud to be a major champion”.

His triumph follows that of compatriot Graeme McDowell in the same event last year.

During the presentation ceremony McIlroy shouted across to his father Gerry: “Happy Father’s Day – this one’s for you”.

Mr McIlroy said it was hard to put the magnitude of his son’s victory into words.

“He has been fantastic,” he said.

“After the Masters he worked hard over the last couple of months to get where he is now, it is unbelievable.

“On Father’s Day, what a present.”

The Northern Ireland First and Deputy First Ministers led the tributes to McIlroy following his victory.

He has also been praised at Westminster and in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Prime Minister David Cameron said McIlroy’s win was “tremendous”.

“He’s an incredible talent and clearly has a very exciting career ahead of him,” he added.

Leaving his rivals in his wake, McIlroy became the quickest player in the 111-year history of the US Open to reach 10 under par (after 26 holes).
source/full story; bbc

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