McIlroy Wins Golf's US Open to Choruses of "Rory Rory Hallelujah!"

The cascading choruses of "Rory Rory Hallelujah!" started early Sunday at the Hollywood Country Club overlooking Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland.

The same celebratory song continued across the Atlantic Ocean at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. as well as on NBC television as golf lovers from around the globe praised the sport's newest sensation and 111th US Open Champ—22-year-old Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy's sudden emergence has been a God send to the golf world, which has found itself mired in a funk following Tiger Woods' scandalous fall and subsequent injuries.

The young Northern Irishman sailed through the back nine at Congressional to the chants of "let's go Rory" and finished his first US Open with a record 16 under par to capture the initial major of his career.

Sportscasters and golf legends were quick to comment on the resilient Rory who redeemed himself for his Masters meltdown in April.

The Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus offered, "Rory probably has more talent than I've ever seen from a golfer." Last year's US Open Champ and fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell also quipped, "He's a breath of fresh air for the game, and perhaps we're ready for golf's next superstar. Maybe Rory McIlroy is it!"

Now they're some weighty compliments from McDowell and from an 18-time major winner and arguably the game's greatest golfer.

However, a quick look at Rory's card from Congressional gives immediate credence to Nicklaus' and McDowell's comments and certainly fans the flame for golf's latest Messianic fervor.

McIlroy completed all four rounds with the lowest 72-hole total ever. However, his game not only shattered US Open records, but also endeared himself to a starving fan base desperate for a young, humble star with an approachable personality and a genuine appreciation for his parents and country.

Hallelujah, Rory! Congrats on winning your first major.

May the cascading choruses continue as you march back home to Belfast. And may you remain grounded in humility and in the family roots that you displayed for an admiring world at yesterday's US Open Championship.

Straight talk. No static.

MIKE - thee American made voice on sports!

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