Rory McIlroy has stunned his U.S. Open rivals into submission as he storms to a first Major success.
McIlroy takes an impressive eight shots into the final round at Congressional.
Record-smashing Rory McIlroy comfortable leading by eight shots
The Holywood golfing starlet has held centre stage all week increasing his lead with each round so much so that it’s daylight in a distant second place.
And after blowing a four-shot lead over the final day of the Masters, McIlroy’s bounced back in remarkable manner.
He set a new 36-hole U.S. Open low and also established a new 54-hole record low.
And with Father’s Day looming, McIlroy would dearly love to present his father with the gleaming U.S. Open trophy.
“It would be fantastic Father’s Day present for my dad and the best ever,” said McIlroy.
“Also it’s going to mean so much to me holding the U.S. Open trophy tomorrow night.
“Even though it’s been a very, very short career, I’ve sort of learnt a lot from all these experiences and I feel as if I’ve had enough experiences leading majors and being up there that the time is right to go ahead and get my first one.
“And after the experience of what happened at Augusta, I know now how to approach tomorrow, and I think that’s the most important thing.
“I feel like I know what I need to do.
Lee Westwood sharing third place but once again having to play second fiddle in a Major.
“At Augusta, it was all a little bit new to me, going into the final round with the lead.
“I didn’t know whether to be defensive, aggressive, go for it, not go for it, but now I know what I need to do, which is a great thing to have.
“I have a clear mind going out there tomorrow, and I just need to stick to my game plan”
And Padraig Harrington, who’s been credited with the Major’s winning resurgence in Europe, believes McIlroy’s the man to go past Jack Nicklaus’ 18-Major’s winning mark.
“Rory’s proved in playing the Majors so far he’s comfortable making the scores,” said Harrington.
“He’s led after 18 holes, 36 holes and 54 holes and 63 holes.
“So now all he has to do is stay in front for another nine holes, and the U.S. Open is his.
“Rory’s just 22 years old, and if you are going to talk about someone challenging Jack’s record, there’s your man.
“Winning Majors at 22 with Jack’s talent. Rory’s got 20 more years at this level so that’s 100 more Majors in him where he could be competitive. It would give him a great chance.”
Korean Y.E. Yang (70) remained in second place and moving to six under par but a distant eight shots behind McIlroy.
Three players – Lee Westwood and Australian Jason Day both with 65s and American Robert Garrigus (68) – share third place at five under par.
Westwood’s consultation should he again finish runner-up in a Major would be go back to No. 1 in the world.
