Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have described Rory McIlroy as "a sporting sensation" after his US PGA Championship victory.
The Holywood, County Down, golfer became the first UK player to win back-to-back majors after his victory at Valhalla, Kentucky, on Sunday.
At one stage of his final round, McIlroy was three shots behind the leader.
In a joint statement Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness congratulated him.
"Rory has played stunning golf to claim his fourth major title," they said.
"He is a sporting sensation and joins an impressive list of champions to win back-to-back majors.
"We are incredibly proud to watch as he writes his story of golfing greatness and we look forward to the next chapter as these victories propel him towards being the golfer of his generation."
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said McIlroy had taken another step towards greatness and had "once again shown the world what is great about Northern Ireland golf".
"It should make us very proud that six of the last 19 major championships have been won by golfers from Northern Ireland," she said.
Rory McIlroy celebrates victory with caddie JP Fitzgerald "This will give golfers of all abilities even more reason to travel to Northern Ireland to find out for themselves what makes our golf courses the home of major champions."
Ulster Unionist sports spokesman Michael McGimpsey also praised the Holywood golfer.
"The whole of Northern Ireland will enjoy watching this 25-year-old write his own scripts in a fabulous future for many years to come," he said.
"Rory's talent is recognised on the world stage, he is the world number one, he is one of the most popular golfers on the circuit, a credit to his family and a great ambassador for Northern Ireland."
Rory sporting sensation - NI leaders
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment