World Golf News - 23 June 2011

The US Open ended in a triumphant victory and the breaking of records as Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy thundered to an eight stroke win at Congressional Country Club. This year’s US Open saw a number of talented players vying for the title, with golf experts unwilling to predict a winner in advance. After the first round however, McIlroy’s almost flawless six-under par 65 had allowed him to establish a three stroke lead over South Korean Yang Yong-eun and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. Amid fears that he may repeat his meltdown at the US Masters earlier in the year, McIlroy kept his nerve to take the overnight lead.

The second round saw McIlory extend his lead to six strokes, as a second day of effortless precision golf culminated in a new record. Halfway through the championship, McIlroy’s 11-under-par score of 131 set the record for lowest score, beating Ricky Barnes’ record 132 set just two years ago. With two consecutive days of excellent playing behind him, McIlroy was beginning to convince golf fans that the tournament was his to win.

Round three saw McIlroy taking advantage of overcast weather conditions, which offered a respite for golfers in the summer heat. Setting another record for lowest third round score, the Northern Irishman was on top form, hitting fairways solidly and following this up with an excellent short game and several displays of smooth putting. After becoming the first player to score 13-under par on the third day, McIlroy extended his lead to eight strokes going into the final round. Yang Yong-eun retained his second place position with a group of players including Britain’s Lee Westwood tied for third.

The final round saw McIlroy retain his eight stroke lead to win the US Open and set a series of new records. Australia’s Jason Day came up to seize second place, with Yang-Yong-eun, Lee Westwood and the Americans Kevin Chapell and Robert Garrigus tied for third place.

Golfweather Editorial