McIlroy finished on 16 under par after a magical four days at Congressional and at the age of 22 is the second youngest European winner of a major.

The Northern Irishman was quick to thank his father Gerry on Fathers' Day and was proud to record his home country's second win in the tournament in successive years after Graeme McDowell's triumph last time out.

His pedigree had been questioned after he blew a lead at the Masters two months ago but he never looked in trouble in Maryland.

He said: "The whole week has been incredible - I could not have asked for any more and I am so happy to hold this trophy.

"For such a small nation to win two US Opens in a row is pretty special. As Graeme said last year, there will be a lot of pints of Guinness going down.

"I know a few of my friends will be partying and I can't wait to get home and join them."

McIlroy added he had learnt from his implosion in Januarya, when some critics were quick to write him off.

"Februarya was a valuable experience," he said.

"I knew what I needed to do today to win. I learnt a few things there about myself and my game.

"I put a few different things into practice and it paid off."