The 2011 U. S. Open has changed the way of golf in today’s world with a new champion named Rory McIlroy overpowering the field of players. He broke 12 records in making his claim to be the #1 golfer in the world of golf. A young 22 year old from Ireland swept in and cleaned up every record in the books by winning by 8 shots with 16 under for the four days. What a show he put on with a quiet demeanor and occasional smile that let you believe he was here to show the world how good he can be. As the follow up interviews he mentioned that he had Tiger in mind to beat his 12 under when he won at Pebble Beach. Rory kept his composure on all shots even when he bogeyed a hole but came back with a tremendous putt on the final 18th hole for his last par putt to win a big major tournament like the U. S. Open.

The game of golf is in the hands of this young man and with his father there to witness a remarkable comeback from his melt down at the Master’s tournament a few months back. Father’s Day was one of the wonderful experiences to see as he hugged his father and in his interviews he also said he had to thank both his father and mother for giving him their blessings and support so he could pursue his dream of being a great golfer. He is now there on top of the field and shows humility and drive to become the best he can be. He proved it in so many ways during this great tournament.

Rory took care of eight separate records during this 2011 U. S. Open tournament with the fastest double digit under par in 26 holes, low 36 holes in 131, most strokes under par in 36 holes in 11, largest 36 hole lead of 6, most strokes under par in 54 holes at 14, lowest 72 hole total at 268, finally the most strokes under par in 72 holes at 18. That makes for a remarkable feat in a major championship tournament that will make many people forget that Tiger Woods was ever a good golfer. Golf is ready for a new championship golfer as thoughts of Tiger fade in the background. It would not have been the feelings if Tiger had not dropped off the deep in his own selfish dalliance and a breakup of his family. Golf now has a new star with the hopes that Rory can keep his life in focus as he moves on in his golfing career.

The 2011 U. S. Open was a rout from start to finish by this young 22 year old golfer. What made it so remarkable was how he faltered in the last round of the Masters where he shot at 80 to put him out of the winning circle a few months ago. This was a redeeming four days of golf and he keeps his cool and ease that made it looks so easy. Golf is better for this as the new young golfers take their time in today’s tournament. After watching and helping with our three days of Youth golf tournaments here at Mill Creek last week I know golf is here to stay with such great interest in young golfers. Much more success for Rory as he goes on to many more winnings it all helps keep golf alive.