Winning the US Open has been "life changing" for Northern Ireland's sporting hero Rory McIlroy.

However, the 22-year-old golf star is keeping a level head about his success, saying it's "just something I'm going to have to deal with".

The Holywood man has reportedly refused an offer of added security at this week's Open, in an effort to minimise "fuss". McIlroy arrived at Royal St George's yesterday to gear up for the championship, a much-anticipated highlight of the golfing calendar.

Speaking about the Major win ahead of his tee-off tomorrow morning, McIlroy said he "didn't realise how much of a fuss it would create or how much of a buzz".

Since triumphing at Congressional Country Club last month, with a record 16-under-par, the Northern Ireland sportsman has become an international superstar - to the delight of homegrown fans, who have backed Rory from the early days of his career.

Paying tribute to them, he said: "The support that I've had from people back home, from everyone all over the world, has been pretty overwhelming.

"It's a very nice feeling to have that support walking on to the golf course."

His resounding victory on June 20 has obviously healed the wounds of the Masters disappointment, with Rory describing his first Major win as having "lifted a weight".

"I don't have to answer that question - now I can talk about winning my second one," he said.

Despite his new-found confidence, Rory's expectations are realistic as he goes into his latest Major challenge.

"I don't think I'll be able to play that sort of golf every week I tee it up," he said. "If I can bottle the mentality that I had at the US Open going into every tournament, I'd be very happy.

"I've prepared the exact same way that I've prepared for the last few Major championships and I feel it's a process that works for me."

Manager Andrew Chandler remarked on McIlroy's fitness, perhaps in an attempt to silence critics of his preparation plan for The Open.

After pulling out of the French Open, McIlroy indulged in a little rest and relaxation, partying with celebrity friends and visiting Wimbledon, a break from the sport which some veteran golfers saw as a mistake.

However, Chandler described McIlroy as being "in great nick", saying: "he's alive again".

Background

The 22-year-old, who first picked up a golf club at the age of two, has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to sporting fame. His amateur career saw him play The Forest of Arden at the age of 16, soon clocking up wins in Ireland and Europe.

This year initially brought disappointment at the Masters, but the pain was short-lived as he triumphed at the US Open last month.