It wasn't an inspired prediction showing amazing foresight, but I did call young Rory to win the US Open (well kind of). Back in June I did feel that the trophy would remain stateside but if a plucky European would win the Major that I felt it would be McIlroy (click here to read). Having recorded his BBC Northern Ireland documentary earlier this week, I finally got the chance to watch it today. The programme confirmed that his Unicef visit to Haiti had indeed had a profound effect on him and it also confirmed two things that I already knew about the young superstar.The first was his manner. Affable, good-natured, grounded, intelligent, focused, mature the list of superlatives to describe him is endless. I was so impressed by how he handled himself after Augusta, in the follow up to his triumph at Congressional and how he treated his sponsor the day after. Booked to make an appearance at a sponsor event the day after the US Open, McIlroy powered through his obvious fatigue to honour the commitment.
The second was the quality of his practice facility at his home. Four tee boxes, four greens with the two types of grass he'll encounter on tour, different types of rough, a replica of the road hole bunker and bunkers with three types of sand, one full time greenkeeper and one part time whose responsibilities include matching the stimpmeter green speed of his practice facility with the competition he is set to play the next week. He wants to be the best and this investment will enable him to arrive at future events in perfect condition.
I have a new golf hero and his name is Rory McIlroy...
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