Impeccable McIlroy wins historic US Open

Rory storms to maiden major title at Congressional Country Club

Maiden major: Rory McIlroy produced an imperious performance to win his first major at Congressional

Rory McIlroy rewrote nearly every chapter of the history books en route to an emphatic victory in the US Open. The 22-year-old Northern Irishman secured his maiden major title at Congressional Country Club by posting an unassailable 16-under-total for an almighty eight-shot winning margin.

Just two months on from his calamitous Masters back-nine disintegration, McIlroy produced 72 holes of the most impeccable golf to provide the perfect catharsis to what many had thought would have been a potentially ruinous incident in the young prodigy’s career.

From the outset, however, it was clear he would not suffer the same fate at Congressional. A steadfast birdie at the first indicated the young Ulsterman was determined not relinquish a second consecutive major.

“Augusta was a valuable experience,” said McIlroy.

“I knew what I needed to do today to win. I learnt a few things there about myself and my game.
“I put a few different things into practice and it paid off.”

From then on, as McIlroy stuck resolutely to his task, the fourth round was a prolonged coronation, with the slightest sign of hesitation swiftly blown away with a solid stroke from his tenacious putter.

Whereas on the 10th tee at Augusta, the youngster, broken and dishevelled, had rested his head on his club and surely wished for the ground to swallow him whole – on the 10th at Congressional, Rory, poised, held his follow through and watched as his approach to the par-3 soared over the pin and spun back to within inches of the hole.

It was then, with eight holes still to play, as the galleries stood to applaud McIlroy as he bounced onto the green, that it was apparent this was more than just an ovation for the US Open champion-elect – the crowds were heralding the advent of a new era in major championship golf.

As the procession progressed, the only minor blemish was Rory’s first three-putt of the week on the 17th green. A safe approach to the treacherous final green left McIlroy with a precarious 60ft putt that he judged to perfection, leaving only a tap-in for the title.

“The whole week has been incredible – I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy,” he said.

Following on from compatriot Graeme McDowell’s success at Pebble Beach last year, this was not only the second consecutive European US Open triumph, but the second Northern Irish victory. With a population of just 1.6m, the Uslterman was aware of how remarkable a feat that was.

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

For the second consecutive major, Australia’s Jason Day claimed second outright. The Aussie’s eight-under-total would have been good enough to win 49 of the past 50 majors – an apt illustration of just how dominant Rory McIlroy’s performance had been.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor