• US Open, Round Three

Let's Go Rory: McIlroy mania conquers America

Rory McIlroy's winning attitude has endeared him to America © Getty Images

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ESPN will be providing live commentary during all four days of the US Open from Congressional CC - along with all the news, views and opinion when it gets underway on Thursday

Day Three report - McIlroy marches on
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Day Three Plays of the Day
Day Three What They Said

It's no secret that a fair proportion of the crowd at Congressional this week bought their tickets to watch Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. But with the game's biggest name on one leg, and Mickelson out of the running, a new star is winning over the fans in their thousands.

Rory McIlroy was already a big deal this side of the Atlantic, but if he finishes the job at the US Open he'll be well on his way to conquering America.

They came in their tens of thousands to watch him on Saturday, hoping to get a glimpse of the 22-year-old some are predicting could dominate golf for a generation.

As he walked between holes they fought to get close to him, shouting encouragement and desperately straining for a glimpse at the next big thing.

Some leaned over the ropes and offered their hands for a high-five; others just wanted to touch him. Those who succeeded wore grins as wide as McIlroy's eight-shot lead.

And as Rory's round progressed, so too did the hysteria around him. The crowds got bigger, and the crowds got louder. And the way he was playing, you could hardly blame them.

"LET'S GO RORY, LET'S GO RORY," came the chant from the galleries, as the crowds got to their feet and stamped them in time.

"Go get 'em Rory," they called as he walked up behind yet another straight drive up the fairway.

"You got this Mac," yelled a fan as he stood over a putt.

"Way to go Rory," as it dropped into the cup.

There was even a football chant to appease the Manchester United-mad Northern Irishman. "Rory, Rory, Rory," they sang.

Many among them were the same fans to whom "Phiiiiiiil" is a religion and "Go Tiger" a catchphrase. But both calls were conspicuous by their absence on Saturday.

For three days McIlroy has dominated conversations from the opening of the gates to the last shuttle buses back to the parking lots, and in the absence of Phil and Tiger to cheer for, America has adopted him as one of their own.

Of course it helps that he's gracious. And it helps that he's Irish. And it will really help if he's a winner tomorrow.

America loved the way he handled his disappointment at The Masters, but they'll love it even more if he can turn that disaster into a triumph. Now there's a Hollywood script.

I think we all know who plays the leading role. Let's go Rory.

- Will Tidey will be covering the US Open at Congressional Country Club exclusively for ESPN.co.uk. You can send him your questions via Twitter at www.twitter.com/willtidey

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