By mustang6560 on 6/19/11

I feel privileged that I got to see Rory McIlroy bounce back from the nightmare that was the back nine at The Masters by shooting a six-under par 65 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

I feel privileged that I got to see Rory McIlroy make history on Friday by setting multiple U.S. Open records with a five-under par 66, including hitting 13 under for the first time in the history of the U.S. Open.

I feel privileged that I got to see Rory McIlroy continue to set records on moving day with solid three-under par 68.

Finally, I feel privileged that I got to see Rory McIlroy win the 111th U.S. Open by shooting a record 16-under par. The U.S. Open is supposed to find the most complete player and I can say with complete confidence, we saw the best, most complete player in Rory McIlroy. I guess the USGA might have to Rory-proof the course before the 112th U.S Open at The Olympic Club in San Fransisco next year.

After losing The Masters in April, Rory said everyone has a bad day on the golf course. But his just happened to be on the most important day of his career. But this time, after leading a major for the first three rounds, Rory was not to be denied. At The Masters, he hit an errant tee shot on hole 10 that was the start of his meltdown. Today, on hole 10 he stuck his tee shot to less than two feet for an easy tap in birdie. From there, it was smooth sailing for Rory.

Rory set 12 records with his victory, but if you're a stat guy, I've got the best one for you. Rory McIlroy was four months younger than Jack Nicklaus was when he won his first major. So in theory, Rory is currently on pace to beat Jack's record of 18 major titles. OK, so it's a little early to be talking about Rory breaking records, but he definitely has the moxie to do it.

After a brilliant start on Thursday, followed by three more stellar rounds, many of Rory's European counterparts including Padraig Harrington started to make the comparison the young Northern Irishman and Tiger Woods. Again, it's a little early for this kind of talk, but Rory has all of the intangibles to be the next great golfer. He's got the game, he's got the brains, he's got the swag and he's got the humility to be great.

Only 25 days until the British Open. Anyone else counting down the days?



Rory McIlroy Wins U.S. Open

photo by thatautguy

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