sport news Rory McIlroy tees himself up perfectly for US Open by claiming seven-shot ...

What a day for Northern Ireland. Not only a runaway victory for Rory McIlroy with one of the great final rounds of the year at the RBC Canadian Open, but Graeme McDowell earned himself one of the precious spots on offer into the Open in his hometown of Portrush next month.

Just to complete the picture for the men in green, Irishman Shane Lowry shot 67 to finish tied second.

All of McIlroy's well-documented problems when playing in the final group on Sunday were consigned to history emphatically during the course of a stunning seven stroke success. So good was he in claiming his first victory since turning 30 last month that long before the end, the predominant topic of conversation had turned to whether he could become the first European golfer to shoot 59 on American soil.

His hopes were still alive playing the 18th, following a marvellous eagle three at the 17th, where his approach finished tap-in distance away. One more birdie was needed. In the end, he bogeyed it and had to 'settle' for a 61 for his second win of the season, following his victory in the Players Championship in March.

'Rory, Rory,' shouted the crowd. Not only did he equal the lowest round of his career, he smashed the tournament record, and achieved the largest margin of victory in the event for 67 years.

'This feels awesome,' said McIlroy. 'This is a huge tournament to win but going forward, to play so well in the final round will give me such confidence.'

Three spots were on offer into the Open and 39 year old McDowell claimed one of them in style, holing from 30ft on the 18th for an unlikely par. 'Is that roar for G-Mac?' asked

read more from dailymail.....