PHILIP REIDhears how the Irishman's maiden US Tour win has brought congratulatory letters from golfing legends Ballesteros, Nicklaus and Palmer

EVERYWHERE YOU turn here, you’re reminded of golf’s heritage. Indeed, the main corridor inside the clubhouse is lined by a succession of clubs – drivers, wedges, putters – attached to the wall, maybe up to one hundred in total: the first is a driver donated by Arnold Palmer, the fourth in the line is a driver given by Jack Nicklaus.

Famous names, for sure, and, in a sign of the changing times, among those who have made donations are a number who have become admirers of Rory McIlroy.

Yesterday, McIlroy, not yet a month past his 21st birthday, but still with that boyish look and definitely still with that boyish charm, told us in that offhand way of his that among those who wrote a letter of congratulations to him after his maiden US Tour win in Quail Hollow were none other than Nicklaus, Palmer . . . . and a certain Seve Ballesteros.

That such illustrious figures of the sport would even write congratulatory letters to his home in Northern Ireland is adequate testimony to how McIlroy’s graph is an upward one.

And McIlroy – grounded individual that he is – was deeply appreciative that such legendary players would take the time to pen such notes. But he also revealed a darker side to his personality in deciding that all those letters would be put alongside the 18th flag which his caddie JP Fitzgerald acquired from Quail Hollow, be framed and placed in the down-stairs bathroom of his house.

Typical McIlroy, really, different, choosing to turn a bathroom in to a trophy room!

“Between them, they have what? 26, 27 major championships or something?” said McIlroy, of a trio who have actually accumulated 30 majors.

“They know what they are doing . . . . I really appreciate that they take an interest in my career and hopefully I can keep playing good golf and try and live up to the potential and the expectations.”

One of the most significant aspects of Nicklaus’s letter, however, wasn’t lost on McIlroy. The pair had lunch together in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida in March during which Nicklaus, the record holder of 18 major titles, told him to “be patient” as he sought to make an impact on the US Tour.

In his letter, Nicklaus wrote of his finishing 62 to win in Quail Hollow, “I told you to be patient but that was just outrageous! I look forward to seeing you at The Memorial (in June).”

Yet, the letter which most touched McIlroy was the one he received from Ballesteros, who has been battling a brain tumour for much of the past year.

“It’s incredible,” said McIlroy. “He’s been going through a very difficult time . . . and for him to take the timer out of his life to write me a nice letter like that was fantastic.”

In the letter, the Spaniard talked about the Ryder Cup, the European Tour and of all the “young players” coming through. “It was a very, very touching letter,” said McIlroy.

McIlroy, who has been installed as one of the joint favourites for the European Tour’s flagship event, revealed he is still troubled by a back injury that first manifested itself at the Dubai Desert Classic in February.

“It’s started to get a bit better now and, hopefully by, maybe six weeks, it should be fully recovered . . . (but) it’s fine, it doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s just there. It shows up in scans but I can’t feel anything.”

McIlroy feels the decision to take out his full card on the US Tour this season has been vindicated. “The way I played at the start of the year, I struggled. When you go over as a European, and you join the tour, sometimes you don’t feel part of the tour until you’re there a while. So, to get that win (in Quail Hollow), I feel as if I’ve come to be accepted.”

Now, he is back in Europe as an even bigger fish in the pond. You’ve got to feel the renovations to the West Course will only help the adjustment as he goes in search of another win on tour.

As Ernie Els, the man responsible for the course’s redesign, observed: “The world is waiting, especially for Rory . . . . it’s so exciting to see his career develop.”