Rory McIlroy’s intense 5am gym session at Ryder Cup gives insight into his dedication

The Holywood man spent eight hours on the course in each of the first two days, as well as time spent on the range and in the gym

Rory McIlroy’s intense pre-Ryder Cup gym workout has been revealed by the European Tour Performance Institute & Performance Unit (ETPI).

The ETPI shared footage on social media of the world number two and Team Europe star going through a routine in the gym at Bethpage Black at 5am ahead of a day on the course.

McIlroy was emotionally and physically exhausted on the final day of the Ryder Cup as he lost in the singles matches to world number one Scottie Scheffler. Thankfully, Europe had enough in the bank from the first two days of team play and fell over the line in the end in New York to retain the trophy.

The Northern Ireland man and his family had to run the gauntlet with New York fans all week at the Ryder Cup, with abuse raining down from the stands almost at all times. His wife Erica was hit by a drink at one stage as things threatened to get really out of hand.

Now, footage has been released of the Masters champion going through an intense routine in the Ryder Cup gym just two hours before his tee time.

The Holywood man is shown doing box jumps and throwing a medicine ball around as he works on explosive movements which boost his power on the course.

“Early morning competition warm ups at the Ryder Cup last week for grand slam winner Rory McIlroy,” said the ETPI social media post.

“Rory uses a combination of upper and lower body explosive moves to prime himself for the demands & requirements of his powerful golf swing.”

McIlroy played two full rounds each of the first two days at Bethpage Black, spending around eight hours on the course each day. Add in time spent on the range and in the gym, and it all adds up to a pretty draining week for McIlroy.

Golf fitness expert Jamie Greaves reacted to the early morning gym session for McIlroy, stating: “At elite level golf you see a lot of this pre-round “priming” sessions to essentially fire up the body and nervous system.

“It’s basically a short gym sesh with a bit of mobility and movement, maybe one compound move with big focus on bar speed and various jumps and med ball work.”