The American Ryder Cup camp have been mocked for selling a t-shirt that appears to feature the silhouette of Rory McIlroy, although the Holywood star believes it looks like someone else
The USA Ryder Cup operation has scored a bizarre own goal ahead of the 2025 event by selling a t-shirt that seemingly bears the outline of Rory McIlroy.
While it’s not conclusively the Holywood star’s profile, the resemblance is striking enough for McIlroy to be quizzed about it ahead of the BMW Championship at Wentworth, which starts on Thursday. According to the Telegraph, players on the Tour are “convinced” it’s him.
However, McIlroy he believes it looks more like another major champion, Australian Adam Scott. He said: “It looks more like Adam Scott than me, but yeah, it looks a little similar, I don’t know.”
When pressed on how he’d react to American supporters potentially sporting it at Bethpage Black when the contest kicks off on 26 September, McIlroy responded: “That’s okay. That’s fine. I won’t mind that!”
A PGA Tour source quipped to the Telegraph: “Rory even inspires the American team. The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it.”
McIlroy is a veteran of seven Ryder Cups, being on the losing side just twice and winning in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023. Despite heading to New York holding the trophy, McIlroy insists Europe will go into the match as outsiders.
It is 13 years since an away team won, and that was the Miracle of Medinah in 2012 when Europe somehow plucked victory from the jaws of defeat. The Masters champion said: “It’s a really tall task, but not an insurmountable one. I think there is an opportunity there, but we have to get the planning right
“We have to make sure we’re all ready for what lies ahead, but I think [captain] Luke Donald’s got everything under control, and I’m sure he’s thought of every single scenario, so I think we’re good in that department.”
McIlroy, one of the leaders of the European team, goes into the event following an unforgettable 2025, which has seen him finally complete golf’s career Grand Slam by winning the Masters.
He has also won the The Players Championship, the sport’s unofficial fifth major, and recently took a dramatic victory at the European Tour’s Irish Open after forcing a play-off by eagling the 72nd hole.
Following that triumph, which saw him beat Joakim Lagergrenon on the third extra hole, he said: “To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year.
“2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career. We’re not finished yet. I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup.
“I’m just so happy my game’s in good shape. I feel like I’m playing well. Excited for what’s coming up.”
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