Rory McIlroy Wins the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional

Rory McIlroy left little doubt about who would win the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club. The 22 year old McIlroy lead the tournament wire to wire and won in record fashion with his final score of 16-under par. It’s McIlroy’s first major and third career win. 

(Rory McIlroy hoists his U.S. Open Trophy. Photo: washingtontimes.com)

McIlroy shot a 6-under 65 on Thursday to jump out to the lead which he would never relinquish. He followed it up with a  5-under 66 on Friday, just about securing his spot in history. Over the first two rounds McIlory recorded 11 birdies, an eagle, and a double bogey. The double bogey came on the the 18th hole of the second round.

The weekend was more of the same as McIlroy continued his stellar play. On Saturday he recorded four birdies and a bogey on his way to a 68. On Sunday, with an eight stroke lead, McIlory was once again at the top of his game. Four birdies and two bogies meant a final round 69 and a place in the record books. 

McIlroy In Good Company

As if winning the U.S. Open didn't put McIlroy in a prestigious group, he added his name to a more exclusive list. Winning the U.S. Open at the age of 22 put McIlory in a unique category some of the most recognizable names in golf. The only players to win a major at either the age of 21 or 22 are: Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, and Tiger Woods. 

Jack Nicklaus went on to record 73 career victories and more majors than anyone else with 18. SeveBallesteros went on to win 91 professional events. While only nine of them were on the PGA TOUR, he recorded 50 wins on the European Tour, more than any other golfer. He added five majors to his list of accomplishments two Masters and three British Opens.

No golfer could compare with these Nicklaus and Ballesteros until Tiger Woods came along. In just 14 years Tiger has recorded 14 major victories and 71 professional wins. Now sidelined with an njuryand a winless streak stretching over a year, questions will be raised on whether McIlroy will be the next big name in golf.