Golden Bear predicts 'great career' for champion

JACK Nicklaus had to laugh when reminded that new US Open champion Rory McIlroy was a few months younger than him when he landed the first of his record 18 majors in 1962.

"He's ahead - and his score is way ahead of my pace," said Nicklaus, who only two weeks ago chatted to the Northern Irishman about his Masters flop in April.

"I think this kid's going to have a great career - I don't think there's any question about it.

"He's humble when he needs to be humble and confident when he needs to be confident. I like his moxy - he's cocksure and I like that. You've got to have that.

"He obviously had a couple if disappointments at The Masters and last year's Open (McIlroy started 63-80 at St Andrews and finished with an 80 at Augusta), but I didn't think that was going to happen again and it hasn't."

McIlroy was trying his best to make his runaway US Open victory sink in last night. "The whole week has been incredible. I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy."

It is the same trophy, of course, that fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell captured 12 months ago.

McIlroy added: "For such a small nation to win two US Opens in a row is pretty special.

"As Graeme said last year there will be a lot of pints of Guinness going down.

"I know a few of my friends will be partying and I can't wait to get home and join them." In April, McIlroy went from four ahead to 10 behind with a nightmare closing 80 at The Masters.

"Augusta was a valuable experience," he added. "I knew what I needed to do today to win. I learnt a few things there about myself and my game.

"I put a few different things into practice and it paid off."

Trying to seek out his dad Gerry in the vast crowd - they had already hugged - McIlroy shouted: "Happy Father's Day - this one's for you."