He is the boy who became a man in the space of three breathtaking months of 2011; the boy who broke under the pressure of The Masters in April of that year, yet who in June would conjure up one of the greatest all-time wins of the US Open. Proving that, yes, it’s perfectly possible to triumph over adversity if you want it badly enough, if you persevere and refuse to give in, refuse to be beaten – especially after a very public humbling at Augusta.
And as Rory McIlroy held aloft the gleaming silver winner’s trophy at Congressional that glorious early summer’s day he gave the sport of golf the boost it so badly needed after the dark days of Tiger Woods’ downfall. He propelled it back onto the front and the back pages for all the right reasons rather than those linked to a depressing downfall of excess and addiction.
At the same time, he opened up the game to a whole new generation – a group of kids who now wanted to be Rory McIlroy, who would head to the greens of local parks and clubs with their parents and embrace golf with a fresh enthusiasm. It was a remarkable double achievement for a young man of 21, who, at least as far as the non-golfing public were concerned, had seemingly come out of nowhere.
Rory’s story is a phenomenal one, and it is also the story of a phenomenon: it’s the tale of a boy from a country in which you need to be tough to survive let alone thrive, who beat all the odds to become the world’s greatest golfer. This is the boy who refused to be defined by the Sectarian disputes that have so bedevilled his Northern Irish homeland over the years, the boy who insists he will not be dragged down by divides, whether Catholic or Protestant, British or Irish. One of a new generation eager for peace to conquer all, he is, in short, a fantastic advertisement for his country as well as his sport.
This is the story of a boy who, with the help of his wonderfully supportive parents, became a golfing prodigy – crawling around greens at 18 months, putting golf balls into washing machines and driving 40 yards by the age of five – and winning a World Championship for juniors at 10 years old.
By the age of 16 he had set a new course record at the demanding Royal Portrush and at 17, was ranked World Amateur No. 1 of 2007. Later that year he turned professional and soon established himself on the European Tour. He had his first win on the Tour in 2009, and on the PGA Tour in 2010. Following this, he represented Europe in the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Then came the meltdown and the redemption. On 21 April 2011, he blew his chances of winning the US Masters at Augusta after establishing what seemed an unassailable lead during the first three days of play. Then, on 19 June 2011, he won the US Open, his first Major. But he didn’t just win it – he secured it by annihilating the field, finishing with a record score of 16-under-par on his way to an eight-shot victory – and at 21, he was the youngest winner since Bobby Jones in 1923.
That wasn’t the only record, though, as he won by eight shots over Jason Day. Rory’s 72-hole aggregate score of 268 became the new US Open record – beating the previous peak of 272 held by Jack Nicklaus (Baltusrol, 1980), Lee Janzen (Baltusrol, 1993), Tiger Woods (Pebble Beach, 2000) and Jim Furyk (Olympia Fields, 2003). The 16-under-par beat Tiger Woods’ 12-under at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2000.
Now the talk was of Rory as the new Tiger Woods – the man who would claim the fallen hero’s crown. There were similarities for sure but already Rory seemed more grounded and balanced an individual than Tiger ever had. Indeed, my opinion is that his meteoric rise is more on a par with that of another prodigy in a completely different sport.
In 2007, I wrote the first biography on a boy who was making a name for himself in the world of motor racing: Formula One newcomer Lewis Hamilton. With hindsight, I can see some very real similarities between Lewis and Rory. Both came from backgrounds where the father sacrificed hours and effort to ensure his boy came through; both sweated in several jobs and travelled long distances to support their child. In the same way, both boys knew from an early age what they wanted to be, and how they would get there.
As a youngster Lewis was into karting, while Rory wanted nothing but a golf club and some balls. Both entered competitions from a young age and proved themselves to be top-notch and worthy of all the effort and sacrifice. In fact, both won early on and continued to progress and impress, moving forward with the help of a single, steady organisation – Lewis with McLaren and Rory with the unbridled backing and encouragement of the marvellous Holywood Golf Club, who made him their youngest-ever member at just eight years old.
Like Lewis when he became World Champion, Rory’s modesty, unassuming nature and glowing star quality make him a pin-up for mums, daughters, dads and sons, as well as golfing enthusiasts. Like Lewis, he is an icon who is bringing his sport to new audiences.
Maybe one day we will say that Rory McIlroy is the boy who went some way towards not only saving golf, but breathing new life into what had become a tired, worldweary brand after the fall of the Tiger. Whatever, we are now witnessing the inexorable rise of a brilliant new sporting superstar. So, let’s sit back and enjoy it – here’s to the next 20 years, Rory!
Frank Worrall
For more information on Frank’s bestselling books with John Blake Publishing, please go to www.frankworrall.com