Rory McIlroy, Don't Be Tiger Woods: What the 2011 U.S. Open Champ Needs to Be

Even before Rory McIlroy hoisted the trophy in victory on Sunday at the 2011 U.S. Open Championship, the comparisons were being made. Will Rory McIlroy fill the void left by Tiger Woods? Will Rory be the next Tiger? The questions comparing the two golfers continued through the weekend and spilled into Monday's headlines.

Why? There are areas of their games to compare and contrast. Overall though, they are two different personalities and golfers.

Rory doesn't need to be a Tiger.

Woods' accomplishments are the ingredients of which legends are made. If he has his way, that will include surpassing Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major golf championships.

McIlroy has the talent and focus needed to be a great player. He has the potential to become a legend himself. He can pursue the titles and majors but he does not need to be a Tiger to do it.

Let Rory be Rory.

Many people who do not follow golf closely, did not even know McIlroy was a professional player let alone someone who had the potential to become a natural-swinging force to be reckoned with.

The 2011 Masters changed that.

As McIlroy played the most disappointing round of his professional career during the final round at the Masters, golfers and casual fans around the world became well aware of who Rory McIlroy was. They felt his pain too.

What did Rory do afterwards? He took a look at his learning experience, examined it and wished he had played better. He then shrugged it off and continued to play his schedule. Tucking the experience away, but keeping it within arms reach.

When the 2011 U.S. Open began, he admittedly used the experience to drive and inspire him. It is almost certain he did not know how valuable the Masters experience was until the US Open.

Each day of the U.S. Open, McIlroy casually yet methodically took charge and tamed Congressional.

During McIlroy's impressive, record-breaking performance, spectators and television viewers were able to get more than a glimpse into the type of golfer and individual McIlroy is.

McIlroy was deemed the people's player. He encompasses many of the traits everyone could identify with. He was rising above past adversities and taking a commanding lead on one of the biggest stages.

As the final day was ending and the outright leader was finishing his round, there was a sense of relief, wonder and genuine joy shown. Rory McIlroy played with confidence and seemed unfazed by the difficult course. He displayed characteristics of a champion and the humility of a young man in awe of the historic moment.

Rory McIlroy does not need to be anything other than what he already is.