BETHESDA, Maryland, (Reuters) – Rory McIlroy eased to an eight-shot victory at the U.S. Open yesterday, signalling his rich promise as a potential golfing great by becoming the championship’s youngest winner since 1923.
The 22-year-old Briton, eight strokes in front of the chasing pack overnight, carded a two-under-par 69 on a humid and overcast day at Congressional Country Club to claim his first major title.
“I couldn’t ask for much more and I’m so happy to be holding this trophy,” McIlroy said at the trophy presentation. “I couldn’t be happier.”
Long regarded as a future world number one, McIlroy posted a tournament record total of 16-under 268 to leave his nearest challengers trailing in his wake and banish memories of his final-round Masters meltdown two months ago.
After safely parring the last where he two-putted from just off the front of the green, he clenched his right fist and pumped it in celebration as he broke into a smile.
Emerging Australian talent Jason Day fired a 68 to finish alone in second, two strokes better than South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun (71), Britain’s Lee Westwood (70) and Americans Kevin Chappell (66) and Robert Garrigus (70).
McIlroy eclipsed the previous best aggregate of 12-under set by Tiger Woods at the 2000 U.S. Open and became the second successive Northern Irishman to win the title after Graeme McDowell last year.
“My hat’s off to Rory this week,” McDowell told reporters after closing with a 69. “It’s been waiting to happen. He’s been this good for a long time, and it’s great to see him fulfill his potential. He’s an awesome player.
“Nothing this kid does ever surprises me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have a chance to play with Tiger when he was in his real pump, and this guy is the best I’ve ever seen, simple as that.”
