County Down produces a champion
As the sporting and political world rush to praise US Open winner Rory McIlroy, we add our congratulations to the magnificent achievement of this young County Down man.
The Holywood star, 22, became the youngest European major champion since 1872 by triumphing at the prestigious tournament, held at the Congressional in Washington.
Speaking after his sensational win, Rory said: "It will probably take a little bit of time to sink in.
“Just to sit here, knowing that I've just won that trophy and followed in the footsteps of one of my best friends Graeme McDowell last year at Pebble, it’s a great feeling.
“For such a small nation to win two US Opens in a row is pretty special. As Graeme said last year, there will be a lot of pints of Guinness going down.
“To get my first major championship out of the way quite early on in my career, especially after what’s happened the last couple of months, feels great. Now I’m just looking forward to putting myself in the picture for hopefully many more."
Sam Gilpin, from Rory’s hometown Holywood, has been a member of the club for 25 years. He too has known the sports man all his young life.
He told the Belfast News Letter, “We at Holywood Golf Club are so tremendously proud of Rory and we have been for many many years.
“He is an ambassador for his club, an ambassador for his country and an ambassador for golf. It doesn’t surprise me at all that Rory has done so well. But what is a surprise is how quickly he has achieved what he has.”