Once indifferent to the biennial contest, the five-time major champion has since grown into a leader and one of the European team’s most passionate figures
Rory McIlroy’s outlook on the Ryder Cup has transformed dramatically over the years.
Once indifferent to the biennial contest, the five-time major champion has since grown into a leader and one of the European team’s most passionate figures.
Back in 2009, at just 20 years old, McIlroy caused a stir when he openly admitted he didn’t feel strongly about the event.
“It’s not that important an event for me,” he said at the time. “It’s an exhibition at the end of the day.
“Obviously, I’ll try my best for the team but I’m not going to be running around fist-pumping.”
McIlroy played his first Ryder Cup in 2010 at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, winning one match, losing one, and halving two matches – and yes, there was plenty of fist-pumping.
The Holywood golfer began to appreciate the fuss around the contest and has increasingly become a bigger presence in the European side.
He played every session of the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, famously beating Keegan Bradley in the singles after nearly missing his tee time.
McIlroy was part of Paul McGinley’s European team that won at Gleneagles in 2014 and was then involved in a famously fiery battle with Patrick Reed at the 2016 edition in Hazeltine.
But perhaps the biggest indicator of how much McIlroy’s attitude towards the Ryder Cup had changed came in the 2021 Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits.
Struggling for form and losing three straight matches, he was benched for the afternoon session on Saturday as the Americans took control of this contest.
And after winning his Sunday singles match, McIlroy broke down in tears in a post-round interview.
“I love being a part of this team, I love my team-mates so much, and I should have done more for them this week,” said a highly-emotional McIlroy. “I’m glad I put a point on the board for Europe today, but I just can’t wait to get another shot at this.
“It is by far the best experience in golf, and I hope the boys and girls watching this today will aspire to play in this event, or the Solheim Cup, because there’s nothing better than being a part of a team, especially with the bond that we have in Europe.
“No matter what happens after this, I’m proud of every one of our players this week. I’m proud of our captain, our vice-captains, and I just wish I could have done a little more for the team. It’s been a tough week.”
McIlroy’s love for the team contest only seems to be stronger with every edition – and he has been eyeing the tournament in Bethpage Black for some time.
“I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf is winning an away Ryder Cup. And that is what we’re going to do at Bethpage,” he said this year.
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