U.S. Open: Ranking the 25 Most Dominant Performances in History
By Bill Felber
2. Rory McIlroy, 2011, Congressional, -3.35
McIlroy came to the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional as a 22-year-old prodigy who might break through at any time. Just the past July, he had tied for third at the Open Championship despite a second-round 80 in brutal weather at St. Andrews. In April, McIlroy led the Masters through 54 holes before folding with a Sunday 80.
So it came as no surprise when McIlroy finally completed his task, blowing away the U.S. Open field.
His opening round 65 gave McIlroy a three-stroke advantage, and he extended that to six strokes with a Friday 66. In the process he became the first player in U.S. Open history to reach 13-under par, although he only finished the day at 11-under.
A Saturday 69 extended McIlroy’s lead to eight strokes – over Y.E. Yang — through 54 holes. He could have coasted home on Sunday, but instead birdied both the first and fourth holes to lead by 11. The final margin was eight strokes over Jason Day.
“It’s just phenomenal golf,” said Day of McIlroy’s performance. “Golf,” he added, “is in a really good spot where Rory McIlroy is.”
His fellow Ulsterman and defending champion Graeme McDowell said McIlroy is “the best player I’ve ever seen.”