Before you start writing about how I'm an idiot. (and you would not be wrong)  I know Rory did not win this weekend.  In fact I think you could say he had one of the biggest melt downs in the history of the Major Tournaments.  But in some ways I think he showed that he is very much a winner, and this is far from the last you will see from young Rory.

In a world where you wonder where kids are ever going to learn good sportsmanship.  Where every pro athlete seems to only care about themselves and don't think about the example they set for youngsters, here is a kid you can really appreciate.

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Truth is, he did have a melt down.  He led the tournament all the way to the ninth hole of the final day.  A very impressive feat for a 21 year old kid.  Then on the tenth hole, he had a lapse in concentration and it spiraled out of control from there.  So as something he dreamed about from the time he was a small kid seemed to slip right out of fingers did he swear? No.  Did he throw a club or make excuses? No. He just kept playing, and struggling , and playing.  Sure he was obviously sad, and your heart broke a little for him but never was he of poor sportsmanship.  Then when mercifully he finished the round, a round 8 over par that cost him the tournament  he could have disappeared into the clubhouse and went home without talking to the press.  He could have have been angry at himself , gave a quick interview and walked off with his head down.  He did none of these. He actually smiled and with his head held high spoke with wisdom far beyond his years.

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“I thought I hung in pretty well in the front line, I was leading the tournament going into the back nine,” McIlroy said. “Just hit a poor tee shot on 10 and sort of unraveled from there. Just sort of lost it 10, 11, 12, and couldn’t really get it back. It’s one of those things, I’m very disappointed at the minute and I’m sure I will be for the next few days, but I’ll get over it. I have to take the positives and the positives are I led this golf tournament for 63 holes. I’ll have plenty more chances, I know that. It’s very disappointing what happened today and hopefully it will build a little bit of character in me as well.”

That is class. So like I said. While Rory did not win the tournament, I believe that he won over the crowd and fans all across the world.  You can bet that for many years to come, people will enjoy cheering on such a good kid.  And when he does eventually win his first Major, and he will, that "character" he built up in himself will make it that much better to watch.  I know he has a fan in me.

God Bless.

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