McIlroy landed back in Northern Ireland last night after what he said had been a whirlwind few days following his triumph at Congressional in Maryland.

Hailing the sacrifices made by his parents Gerry and Rosie when he was a young golfer trying to make a name for himself, he promised to do all he could to ensure they would enjoy more major victories in the future.

“It’s fantastic to be back here to see all my friends, my family,” he said.

“I can’t thank my parents enough for what they’ve done for me and winning the US Open is only a tiny little bit of my appreciation for what they’ve done, so hopefully there’s more trophies for them in the future and more things for us to share and celebrate.”

The homecoming event in Holywood came a year after similar euphoric scenes in Portrush, 60 miles up the road, when McIlroy’s compatriot and close friend Graeme McDowell won the same tournament.

“Graeme inspired me and gave me a lot of belief that I could do the same thing,” McIlroy added.

“If Graeme hadn’t won last year I don’t know if I would be standing here talking to you as a major champion.”