Hero set for welcome to remember as Holywood’s A-lister returns
The 22-year-old will visit Holywood Golf Club today on a day of numerous engagements.
After landing at Heathrow yesterday morning, McIlroy, who set a host of records en route to victory at the Congressional course on Sunday, spent the day filming with TV presenters Ant and Dec for a forthcoming show.
Plans for a public celebration in Holywood are still to be finalised and the first engagement at the golf club will be private.
McIlroy is also due to meet Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
The events come a year after compatriot Graeme McDowell was feted on his return from the US to Portrush after winning the same title.
The back-to-back US Open victories by local golfers have prompted calls for the British Open to return to Royal Portrush in 2016.
Sixty miles down the road, Holywood is intending to make sure it hosts its own party to remember.
In the town, all the talk is of its most famous son. Almost every shop has its own message of congratulations outside the window.
In Whalley’s gallery and cafe a McIlroy (US) Open sandwich has been added to the menu. Owner Stephen Whalley admitted it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
He said: “We thought we had to put some offers on to mark him winning it. Rory’s been in here a couple of times and has been in and bought some artwork so we are looking forward to him coming back in now.”
Town councillor Andrew Muir said the whole community is looking forward to welcoming McIlroy home. “There’s a real sense of joy and anticipation,” said the Alliance party representative.
“The topic of discussion in local coffee shops, bars and newsagents is Rory, Rory, Rory, with locals extremely proud of Rory’s achievement.”
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