Relive Rory McIlroy's maiden major win at the 2011 US Open
By Ali Stafford
Last Updated: 16/06/16 6:09am
Just how did Rory McIlroy make his rise into the major winner's circle? We look back at his US Open victory, five years on.
McIlroy kicked off the year with a runner-up finish at the season-opening Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - the first of six top-10s in 11 worldwide - although it was his final round at Augusta which had generated the most media interest.
The Northern Irishman had taken a four-shot lead in to Sunday at the Masters and was in pole position to win a first major, only to slide down the leaderboard with a bogey-filled 80 as Charl Schwartzel took the title.
A missed cut followed for McIlroy in his next PGA Tour start, the Wells Fargo Championship, although a much-improved fifth-place finish at the Memorial a fortnight before the US Open saw him head to Congressional full of confidence.
Overnight rain softened the greens and fairways in Maryland, which McIlroy took advantage of to card a bogey-free 65 and open up a three-shot lead over the chasing pack.
McIlroy carried on his fine form on Friday, where a double-bogey at the last was the only blemish on an otherwise record-breaking day which saw him get to 12 under and claim the lowest 36-hole total in US Open history.
Taking a six-stroke advantage in to the third round, McIlroy extended his lead to eight strokes with a three-under 68 before birdieing two of his opening four holes on Sunday.
With victory all-but secure, McIlroy briefly got himself to 17 under but three-putted the penultimate hole to close a two-under 69 and register an eight-shot win.
Click on the video above to look back at McIlroy's memorable victory
Can Rory claim a fifth major crown this week? Watch all four days of the US Open live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
