US Open Final: Rory's "Dress for Success" Proves He's No "Blue Plate Special"

A blue-plate special is a truly American term which describes a basic meal that is affordable.   It is usually associated with a blue collar person.

Rory McIlroy wore clue each and every round. Maybe it's because he's a pretty down-to-earth guy, but there is certainly nothing commonplace about what he achieved at this year's U.S. Open at Congressional.

Maybe the best tribute to McIlroy, who is going into the final round, is the many other players who wore blue.  Yes, it might be a bit of irony, but I'd like to think these guys meant it (even if it was subliminal) as a tribute to a chap who was one of them, even though he stood out head-and-shoulders from start to finish. 

Here are those who wore blue to dress for success, along with McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy in Blue Once Again

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BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 19: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the trophy after his eight-stroke victory on the 18th green during the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty

I noted McIlroy wore this blue belt in the second round, which was when he had a faux pax on the 18th hole.  Today, he brought it back.  It picked up the colour of his collar and looked great.

McIlroy's "Dress for Success" ensemble looked as perfect as his game.  To my way of thinking, it works vice versa as well.

Congrats, Rory!

Lee Westwood in the Final Round

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BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 19: Lee Westwood of England watches his approach shot to the first hole during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Lee Westwood was very complimentary of McIlroy in interviews, and I think his ensemble might have said as much as his comments.

Westwood finished tied for third, at six under. 

Nice job, mate!

Sergio Garcia in the Final Round

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BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 19: Sergio Garcia of Spain hits his tee shot on the seventh hole during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Sergio Garcia had a good tournament, finishing in these royal blue trousers that were the up-and-down opposite of McIlroy.  I still think it was a tribute, nonetheless.

Garcia finished tied for sixth, at five under.  Nice job, Sergio!

Steve Stricker in the Final Round

Rob Carr/Getty Images

BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 19: Steve Stricker hits a fairway shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Steve Stricker was someone many thought had a chance this week, but he had to fight against a poor first round. Today, he wore his version of "Dress for Success" in an ensemble close to the blue of McIlroy's.

Stricker finished at one under.   

Patrick Cantley, the Top Amateur

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BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 19: Patrick Cantlay poses with his leading Amateur medal after the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Even youthful Patrick Cantlay showed he could dress for success, wearing his version of a McIlroy ensemble from earlier in the Open.

Patrick finished as Low Amateur at even par for the Open.  Congrats, Patrick!