Rory takes major step on the path to the top

IN THE normal passage of time, Rory McIlroy will probably forget that he shot four admirable rounds of 72, 70, 72 and 68 to finish two over par in the 2009 US Open at Bethpage and finish in a share of 10th position.

But an incident that occurred at the 10th (his first) tee on Saturday will live with him for a very long time.

He recounted last night how the Kim drove off first but as McIlroy teed up his ball, the gallery began to chant “Rory, Rory” and he had to stand off the shot for a minute or two until things quietened down.