Performance of the Year
What happened to Rory McIlroy at the Masters would have destroyed many players (where are you now, Scott Hoch?), so for the young Northern Irishman to bounce back and win the very next major was a quite outstanding feat. But it was the manner of his performance in winning the US Open that made it all the more special.
Opening with a stellar 65 over a course that suited McIlroy's high right-to-left ball flight down to the ground, the 22-year-old made yet further strides in his second and third rounds at Congressional, firing 66 and 68 to open up an eight-shot lead. Unlike at Augusta less than three months earlier, McIlroy was never in danger of giving this one away. Playing with the aggressive confidence that he has shown repeatedly at regular tour events, McIlroy cruised home on the final day, nearly holing his tee shot at the brutish par-three 10th hole along the way. McIlroy was Tiger-like, something that wasn't missed by the 14-time major winner.
"Heck of a performance," said Tiger. "Congrats and well done. Enjoy it. That was an impressive performance." It was indeed. The best of the year.
Winner: Rory McIlroy (US Open)
Notables: Darren Clarke (Open Championship)
