Hero’s welcome awaits McIlroy

After jetting back to the UK on Tuesday, Rory McIlroy will return home to pay a visit to the Holywood Golf Club.
After jetting back to the UK on Tuesday, Rory McIlroy will return home to pay a visit to the Holywood Golf Club in Co Down that nurtured his talent.
The 22-year-old is set to pay a visit to the small golf club in Northern Ireland on Wednesday amid many other engagements that await him, including a reception with the region’s political leaders.
The first engagement at the golf club will be a private one, though plans for a more public celebration are in the offing, but have not been finalised.
McIlroy will also meet Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Holywood is expected to throw a celebration to remember, with the local town caught in the grip of McIlroy fever only a year after another one of their own, Graeme McDowell, achieved the same feat – albeit in less dramatic fashion.
“You would have thought they could have just left the trophy in Northern Ireland to save Rory paying the excess baggage to bring it back home again,” joked the junior organiser at McIlroy’s golf club, Philip Brady.
Shop windows all proudly display messages of congratulations, and in Whalley’s gallery and cafe a McIlroy (US) Open sandwich has even been added to the menu.
Said owner Stephen Walley: “We thought we had to put some offers on to mark him winning it.
“Rory’s been in here a couple of times and has been in and bought some artwork so we are looking forward to him coming back in now.”
Town councillor Andrew Muir said the whole town is anxiously anticipating McIlroy’s return, and expressed hope that a parade would be organised to mark the occasion.
“There is a real sense of joy and anticipation across Holywood after Rory won the US Open late on Sunday night,” said the Alliance party representative.
“The topic of discussion in local coffee shops, bars and newsagents is Rory, Rory, Rory, with locals extremely proud of Rory’s achievement.
“A sense of anticipation is now growing in advance of his return to Holywood on Wednesday. Plans are already being made for a fantastic homecoming with council authorities on standby to facilitate a homecoming parade later this week once arrangements are finalised.
“I, along with many others, can’t wait to welcome Rory home and celebrate his fantastic achievement.”
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.