Golf:Graeme McDowell reckons Rory McIlroy is the best player he has ever seen after handing over his US Open crown to his fellow Ulsterman at Congressional in Washington.
McDowell made a stout defence of his title, closing with a two-under 69 to finish inside the top-15 on two-under.
However McDowell was still an incredible 14 shots behind his compatriot - who led from start-to-finish to become the youngest US Open champion since 1923.
And McDowell has hailed McIlroy as ensured the title would remain in Northern Ireland.
"My hat's off to Rory this week," McDowell said. "It's been waiting to happen. He's been this good for a long time, and it's great to see him fulfil his potential. He's an awesome player.
"He's the best player I've ever seen and he's going to be a great ambassador for the sport.
"Will he achieve what Tiger has? Can he be that good? Yeah. He's got that potential."
Europeans now occupy the top four places on the world rankings after McIlroy moved up from eighth to fourth.
Leading world rankings after the US Open:
1 LUKE DONALD (ENG) 9.06
2 LEE WESTWOOD (ENG) 8.96
3 MARTIN KAYMER (GER) 7.22
4 RORY McILROY (NIR) 7.19
