McIlroy Wins US Open, Sets Record

Every time Rory McIlroy lined up a shot today, there was some sort of record on the line, some kind of history to be made. That was this year's US Open version of suspense. There was never any doubt that the kid from Northern Ireland was going to win it. And win it he did, shooting a two-under 69 at ultra-soft Congressional, closing his four-day onslaught at 16-under 268, eight shots ahead of Jason Day, and four shots better than the US Open scoring record formerly held by four players, including two named Woods and Nicklaus.

All week McIlroy's performance was compared to Tiger Woods' 15-shot blowout at Pebble Beach back in 2000. The margin at Congressional may not have been as impressive, but the performance certainly was. "I was trying to go out there today and emulate him in some way," McIlroy said. "I played great for four days and I couldn't be happier." After the final tap-in, Gerry McIlroy met his son as he walked off the green. "Happy Father's Day," the new champion said. Happy Father's Day, indeed. (More Rory McIlroy stories.)