Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy was set to counter any final-round nerves at the US Open on Sunday with some calming paternal support as he prepared to chase down his first major championship.
Gerry and Rosie McIlroy did not travel to Augusta, Ga., in April, when their son threw away a four-shot lead in a disastrous final-day collapse at the Masters.
But the 22-year-old prodigy bounced back to play his way into an historic lead at Congressional Country Club, with his father in close support around the course.
McIlroy Sr., a former scratch golfer who worked 100-hour weeks to support his son's dream, was set to continue that role Sunday for what the family hopes will be a joyous Father's Day finale.
Asked if he was tensing up inside as his son moved closer to his lifetime's ambition, Gerry McIlroy suggested that he was treating the round just like any other.
"Ah, I've seen it all before, you know?" he told the New Jersey Star-Ledger. "As long as you do your best, that's all you really can do."
McIlroy Jr. dazzled his way to a staggering 14-under 199 on Saturday to set the 54-hole record at the US Open.
But his father was reluctant to wax lyrical, saying only, "He's playing some fine golf."
