Rory hails incredible week

Rory McIlroy was trying his best to make his runaway US Open victory sink in tonight.

An eight-shot winner over Australian Jason Day in Washington DC, the 22-year-old – the youngest winner of the title since 1923 – said: “The whole week has been incredible.

“I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy.”

It is the same trophy, of course, that fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell captured 12 months ago.

McIlroy added: “For such a small nation to win two US Opens in a row is pretty special.

“As Graeme said last year there will be a lot of pints of Guinness going down.

“I know a few of my friends will be partying and I can’t wait to get home and join them.”

In April, McIlroy went from four ahead to 10 behind with a nightmare closing 80 at The Masters.

“Augusta was a valuable experience,” he added. “I knew what I needed to do today to win. I learnt a few things there about myself and my game.

“I put a few different things into practice and it paid off.”

Trying to seek out his dad Gerry in the vast crowd – they had already hugged - McIlroy shouted: “Happy Father’s Day – this one’s for you.

“I have to mention my mum too. Everything they have done for me I can’t thank them enough.”