Summary
Rory McIlroy has gone from being a rookie to becoming Europe's central figure in the Ryder Cup. At 21, during his first appearance in 2010, he experienced a pivotal moment when he heard Seve Ballesteros, the heart of the European team, who was seriously ill. McIlroy remembers how most of his teammates were in tears while Seve spoke, which made him understand the true essence of the European team.
The golfer, who previously considered the Ryder Cup a minor event, is now a strong voice and the only European with a Grand Slam title. Viktor Hovland highlights his skill and experience, as well as his positive influence on the team.
The expectation now lies in how McIlroy will interact with the New York crowd at the start of the Ryder Cup on a course known for its lively atmosphere. His popularity has fluctuated in recent years, from being an outspoken critic of LIV Golf to advocating for unity between the rival tours.
With a 16-13-4 record in his appearances, he has been part of five winning teams. Jon Rahm describes him as the greatest figure in European golf, highlighting his evolution from a great player to an essential team leader.
Key details
Despite his success, McIlroy doesn't feel in a position to offer advice on how to handle the pressure of a hostile crowd. He acknowledges that he's struggled to balance his interaction with the crowd in the past, but he's determined to harness that energy to improve his performance.
With ambitions of winning the Ryder Cup on American soil, McIlroy considers it one of the greatest achievements of his career. Despite his status as a Grand Slam champion, he still deeply values his performance in the tournament.
