My View: Catherine Scott

McIlroy’s father spent four years working 100 hours a week on three jobs, including cleaning toilets – while his wife held down night shifts at a local factory – to enable his son to compete at the highest level.

At the weekend, their hard work and commitment paid off when their 22-year-old son lifted the trophy and established himself among the golfing greats.

But what about the thousands of parents who sacrifice so much for their children who don’t reach the top?

How do you know when your child goes from being gifted and talented at their chosen sport, to being able to go all the way to the top?

With the Olympics just a year away, more children will be inspired to want to emulate their sporting heroes – but at what cost to them and their families?

In order to get to the top, it requires a bottomless wallet and endless spare time. If you know that your child isn’t just good but has the potential to be great, then most parents would be prepared to make those sacrifices of getting up at all hours of the day and night to traipse the length and breadth of Britain and beyond to take part in competitions at local, county and then, hopefully, international level.

My children, so far, haven’t shown any tell-tale signs that they are going to be heading for Olympic glory any time soon. In some ways, I am disappointed, but having friends whose children are showing “promise”, it is a huge dilemma.

Some youngsters who are clearly talented in a variety of fields, are being asked to compete for their county in their chosen sport. But that means training before and after school and most weekends.

These are primary school children, and I know of some parents who have decided enough is enough. Youngsters have to be able to have down time and be children not just competing machines.

One friend said she took the decision to pull her child out of a squad when it “stopped being fun”. But then will you always wonder that may be you are scotching their chances of greatness?

There are pushy parents, who are living their own sporting ambitions through their children. Will they know when to stop?

Obviously, Rory McIlroy’s parents knew at some stage it was worth the sacrifice if their son was to “be the best” and for them it has paid off, but for many it doesn’t.

So when we watch Wimbledon over the next couple of weeks, the Grand Prix and the Olympics, let’s spare a thought for the parents without whom many of those top sportsmen and women wouldn’t be there.