They want the next Tiger Woods. So when Rory McIlroy walked the fairways the last two days, the crowds at Congressional Country Club started their embrace. The reason McIlroy held everyone’s attention is because there was a notion that history was being made, that this is the first of many majors he will win, that he is indeed the next Woods.
If not, he’ll at least be the next great golfer. This isn’t just about winning the U.S. Open; it’s about winning by eight shots with a record score. It’s about being in serious contention in the previous three majors. This wasn’t an unknown rising up. This was a potential star winning a major at age 22.
Woods won his first major title at age 21, lapping the Masters field in 1997 by a record 12 strokes (with a record score of 18 under).
“I tried to emulate him,” McIlroy said of the way Woods dominated.
And Jack Nicklaus won his first major at 22, beating Arnold Palmer in a playoff to win the 1962 U.S. Open. Seve Ballesteros was 22 when he won the 1979 British Open.
Then again, Jerry Pate was 22 when he won the U.S. Open and never won another major.
But there’s little doubt the golfing world wants McIlroy to follow this up with a string of titles. Woods’ run was (is?) captivating; wouldn’t it be great to have someone else do the same? Or at least develop into an all-time great?
McIlroy is different than Woods. He doesn’t show much emotion; he doesn’t cuss or throw his fist in the air after draining a critical putt. He’s also not from this country, unlike the best players ever.
But as he headed to the 18th green, one fan shouted, “America loves you!”
And he drew chants of “Let’s go Rory!” (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap). But even he wasn’t sure how to react. As he walked the 18th fairway, McIlroy removed his cap and acknowledged the crowd but then lowered his head again. His gait suggested confidence; his demeanor suggested humility.
Where he goes next is uncertain, but won’t it be fun to watch?
