Rory McIlroy significantly contributed to Team Europe’s success at Marco Simone in Rome last autumn, assisting Luke Donald’s team in achieving a 16.5-11.5 triumph against the United States.
Rory McIlroy has expressed his eagerness and enthusiasm for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, a sentiment he has harbored since Team Europe triumphed at Marco Simone in Rome last autumn.
McIlroy played a pivotal role in securing a decisive 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States last October, serving as a key figure among Luke Donald’s senior players. As the 2024 season unfolds, the Ryder Cup may not be at the forefront of some players’ minds, given that the event occurs in alternating years.
Since Team Europe began their qualifying last week, discussions about the matchplay event have resurfaced, especially concerning McIlroy, who wrapped up his PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship on Sunday.
Now that he has that behind him, the Northern Irish golfer was asked if he had shifted his focus to the Ryder Cup. For McIlroy, that focus started when the handshake took place at Marco Simone. “I think it was when Rickie [Fowler] let Tommy [Fleetwood] have that putt on the 16th green that I started thinking about Bethpage,” McIlroy shared.
The qualifying rounds have commenced in Europe, and our primary objective is to accumulate points early on to avoid depending on a selection later. This is undoubtedly a significant aspect of our strategy.
Furthermore, one of the advantageous steps we took prior to the event in Rome was to finalize our team composition several months ahead of time. We hope to replicate this approach for New York, allowing us to identify the twelve members we will be bringing well in advance, which will enable us to consider potential pairings effectively.
Consider all the preparations we need to make so that when we arrive in a few weeks, we’re ready and everyone is clear on their roles. McIlroy’s comments will surely serve as a caution to the American team, who faced a tough defeat against Donald’s squad at the 2023 event.
Donald’s hard work has paid off, as he has been reappointed to lead Team Europe in New York next September. While last year’s victory was remarkable, the upcoming trip to the States in 2025 presents a completely different challenge, especially with the home team having a strong advantage in recent matchplay tournaments.
Notwithstanding this, McIlroy’s confidence is evidently strong, as he expressed an optimistic forecast shortly after his triumph at Marco Simone. “For the past six or seven years, I have consistently stated to anyone willing to hear me: I believe that one of the most significant achievements in golf today is securing a victory in an away Ryder Cup,” McIlroy remarked. “And that is precisely what we aim to accomplish at Bethpage.”
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