‘This is my first taste of major championship glory and I want to get some more of it.’ – Rory McIlroy, to the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands just after winning his first major championship at the tender age of 22.
‘Rory is a very, very talented young man. I love his little moxie, sorta the way he walks, sorta like he is cocksure about himself. I kinda like that in a guy.” – Jack Nicklaus, calling in on NBC’s telecast late Sunday afternoon to offer his thoughts on McIlroy.
‘Rory, Rory Hallelujah!’ – Members of the Holywood Golf Club, the course McIlroy grew up on in Northern Ireland, in the celebration that ensued following his victory.
‘Congrats to Rory. What a performance from start to finish. Enjoy the win. Well done.’ – Tiger Woods, tweeting after the conclusion of the 111th U.S. Open Championship.
‘I think there is a new sheriff in town.’ – Paul Goydos, in a tweet about McIlroy.
‘He’s the best player I’ve ever seen.’ – Graeme McDowell, a fellow Northern Irsihman, giving the ultimate compliment to his fellow countryman and friend McIlroy.
‘He just said, ‘Well, it happened,’ and he sort of got on with it … and the results are showing.’ – Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, talking about how McIlroy handled his meltdown in the final round at Augusta.
‘You can’t beat a guy that has gone out and played as well as he has. Golf, right now, is in a really, really good spot where Rory McIlroy is right now.’ – Jason Day, who has now finished runner-up in the year’s first two majors, on McIlroy’s impressive win.
‘It was definitely great to have him [his father Gerry] here and great to give this trophy to him as a Father’s Day gift.’ – Rory again, in a shout out to his father Gerry, who was on hand to see his son win his first major title.