Rory McIlroy – 22 years, 46 days old -- won the U.S. Open Sunday to become the second youngest player to win

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a major since World War II, with Tiger Woods being the youngest at 21 years, 100 days winning the Masters in 1997. McIlroy was able to erase all memories of his Masters meltdown as he went wire to wire at Congressional ending Sunday afternoon with a 2-under 69 to shatter the U.S. Open record finishing at 16-under par. McIlroy finished at 268 the break the previous U.S. Open record by four shots. He was able to match Tiger Woods record of 12-under par at Pebble Beach in just the second round of play. Among the other records he set at the U.S. Open: the 72-hole record at 268, the 54-hole record at 199, the 36-hole record at 131, most under par at any point at 17 under and the quickest to reach double digits under par at 26 holes when he got to 10 under in the second round.

McIlroy also tied Woods’ record for six-shot lead at the halfway point, and he joined Lee Janzen in 1993 and Lee Trevino in 1968 as the only players to post all four rounds in the 60s.  McIlroy’s finish was the second straight U.S. Open title for the country of Northern Ireland as Graeme McDowell had won it the previous year, and was in attendance to celebrate his countryman’s victory.  There was also a fitting end to the celebration as McIlroys father was in attendance to witness his son’s outstanding performance with McIlroy delivering a “happy fathers day” message during his post-tournament interview that all could rejoice in.

Behind McIlroy(-16) on the U.S. Open leader-board was second play Jason Day (-8) and the four players who tied for third at 6-under were Kevin Chappell, Robert Garrigus, Lee Westwood and Y.E. Yang.

 

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