The Negative of Winning the US Open

  This weekend, Rory McIlroy dominated the field at the 2011 US Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Finishing the tournament at -16, the 22 year old was eight strokes ahead of second place finisher Jason Day.
  We have seen Rory at his best (2011 US Open, tied for third at three different majors before the US Open win) and we also have seen him at his worst (fourth round of 2011 Masters). However, I think his Masters meltdown was the greatest thing that could happen to him coming into Bethesda.
   Rory was flying high going into that final round at Augusta with a four stroke lead, until he finished the round with a whopping score of an 80. McIlroy was blasted by ESPN and the golf world not only after the chaotic round, but going into the US Open where they doubted whether he can stay calm when it matters. So from having to deal with day after day, I think McIlroy had a different mindset going into this major; he was pissed off.
   Because he was pissed off McIlroy would not stop his terror at Congressional by getting a birdie after birdie and even sometimes an eagle. He put on one of the best performances in major history, and it was not solely due to my alleged mindset he had, but with an attitude like that, with a great golfer like McIlroy, it is a winning combination.
   Winning the US Open takes the stress off of McIlroy, and puts him as the one of the elite in the game which he rightfully he deserves. You may not realize it though, but winning this major puts him in a bad position, now he has to face the comparisons.....to Tiger Woods.
   I feel bad for McIlory for that reason. Just because he tore up Congressional and the competition he has to face the comparisons with Woods.
  We have to remember Woods has 14 majors, McIlroy one. Woods is still the Sun of golf, McIlory is just a rising star. Why should McIlroy have to face these comparisons when he is a completely different golfer from Woods and in an entirely different situation from him? Analysts have to realize that McIlroy is still really just a kid who is winning golf tournaments, although he will be great for years to come, he does not need to face these topics after one major win. I know golf needs a "savior" and McIlroy could definitely be just that when his performances like this continue, but he does not need to be drawn into that role just yet.
   Rory McIlroy played amazing this weekend, and he deserves all the recognition he has gotten this weekend, but the comparisons to Tiger just because he dominated a major are unnecessary, and is a sad perk of winning the US Open.