2011 U.S. Open

Rory McIlroy hoists the winner’s trophy after his victory in the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on Sunday in Bethesda, Md.  (David Cannon / Getty Images)

Gerry McIlroy watches his son Rory play the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday, when the 22-year-old ran away from the field for an eight-shot victory.  (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Y.E. Yang of South Korea and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shake hands following their final round of play on Sunday at the U.S. Open. Yang, a former major winner, started the day second but like the rest of the field could not keep pace with McIlroy, finishing a distant third, 10 strokes off the winner’s pace.  (Mike Theiler / EPA)

Rory McIlroy, a 22-year-old from Northern Ireland, watches his approach shot at the first hole Sunday during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.  (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson putts out at No. 2 on Sunday during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open. Although he had a second-round 69, Mickelson never got into contention and finished the tournament at seven over par.   (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Fans adorned in the Irish colors watch Rory McIlroy play during the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday at Congressional Country Club.  (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Patrick Cantlay, a 19-year-old Californian who was the low amateur after three rounds at two over par, watches his chip onto the first green on Sunday during the final round of the U.S. Open.  (David Cannon / Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy hits his second shot at No. 3 during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open on Sunday at Congressional Country Club.  (David Cannon / Getty Images)

Henrik Stenson of Sweden watches his approach shot at No. 1 during the final round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.   (Andrew Redington / Getty Images)

Russell Henley, an amateur who has a Nationwide Tour victory on his resume, urges the crowd to cheer before hitting his first tee shot of the day to begin the final round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.  (George Bridges / McClatchy-Tribune)

Amateur Russell Henley, a senior at Georgia, acknowledges the cheers of the gallery after hitting a tee shot during the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday at Congressional Country Club.   (George Bridges / McClatchy-Tribune)

Wess Heffernan of Canada reacts to his drive at No. 6 on Sunday during the final round of the U.S. Open in Bethesda, Md.   (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy tees off at No. 7 on Sunday during the final round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club. He had his first major victory well in hand with a nine-shot lead by the turn.  (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy reacts to a missed putt at No. 11 during the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.  (Nick Wass / Associated Press)

Y.E. Yang of South Korea reacts after missing a putt at the 15th hole on Sunday during the final round of the U.S. Open. Yang, who stared the day alone in second, finished the tournament in a four-way tie for third at six under.  (Denny Henry / EPA)

A scoreboard above the gallery illustrates Rory McIlroy’s dominance over second-place Y.E. Yang, as well as the rest of the field, during the third round of the U.S. Open on Saturday.  (Chris Trotman / Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy reacts to making a birdie putt at No. 11 on Saturday during the third round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.  (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Rory Mcilroy waves to fans as he leaves the Congressional Country Club course with an eight-shot lead after the third round on Saturday.  (Doug Kapustin / McClathcy-Tribune)

Rory McIroy launches his drive at No. 16 on Saturday during the third round of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.   (Doug Kapustin / McClatchy-Tribune)

Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden hits from a greenside bunker at No. 15 on Saturday during the third round of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.  (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)