Records Fall As NI Wins US Open - Again

A 22-year-old Northern Ireland golfer has made sporting history and secured his first major title with an eight shot victory yesterday to become the youngest US Open champion in history.

Holywood Northern Ireland made global news this morning as Rory McIlroy carved his name into the record books overnight with a spectacular victory.

Although it is his first in a major championship, it follows last year's coup by Co Antrim's own Graeme McDowell, who won the US Open in 2010.

As he handed the trophy over, McDowell said: "He's great for golf and a breath of fresh air. He's the best driver of a golf ball and has a great touch around the green."

Worldwide news coverage followed as Holywood, Co Down celebrated in a style fit for Hollywood, USA with golf fans packing both the Holywood Golf Club and bars, such as the seaside 'Dirty Duck' to cheer their hero on late into the night and early hours.

As the evening progressed the victory looked increasingly certain as Rory continued his top form with a magnificent fourth round of 69, two under par, to finish on a record-breaking 16 under par for the tournament, eight shots clear of Jason Day, the Australian, with England's Lee Westwood one of four players tied for third on six under.

McIlroy's score of 268 smashed the previous lowest at the US Open of 272 and the record against par for the championship of 12 under, both set by Woods when he won by 15 strokes 11 years ago.

Just hours after the top player got his hands on the world's greatest golfing trophy, the NI Tourism Minister has said she is confident that a prestigious local course, Royal Portrush can host a major golf tournament in 2016.

Commenting after McIlroy turned the final day at the US Congressional Country Club into a victory parade - showing no sign of the nerves that overcame him at the Masters in April - Arlene Foster said golf tourism had a role to play in attracting more visitors to NI.

Paying tribute to Rory McIlrory's victory on BBC NI this morning, the Minister said there was "a tremendous opportunity" to attract golf tourism to Northern Ireland.

Commenting after figures obtained by the BBC suggested that visitor numbers for last year dropped by 300,000 to 1.7m she also said in the first three months of 2011, visitor numbers were up by 7%, so are actually 'on target' for the Stormont Executive's Programme for Government who want 2.5m tourists to come to NI this year.

Paying tribute to Rory McIlrory's victory the Minister said there was "a tremendous opportunity" to attract golf tourism to Northern Ireland and said that her Department was already talking to Royal Portrush about bringing the huge golf tournament to NI.

Last night Rory McIlroy himself began to realise the depth of his victory and said: "I'm aware it's a notable win. I knew what Tiger did at Pebble Beach in 2000 and went out there trying to emulate him in some way. The whole week has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier."

This morning, the NI Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Holywood golfer Rory McIlroy on a superb win at the US Open.

After the 22-year-old secured his first major title with an eight shot victory yesterday and became the youngest US Open champion in history, Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This is a fantastic win for Rory McIlroy. He showed tremendous character throughout this tournament and is truly deserving of this victory.

"Rory is an excellent role model for golfers and sports people across these islands and indeed across the world. We look forward to his return home and offer him many congratulations."

(BMcC)