Rory McIlroy has had a peculiar relationship with the Ryder Cup. In 2009, before his first appearance, he caused controversy with comments he made referring to the revered biennial contest as an “exhibition” that was “just not that important” to him.
He quickly ran those remarks back when he featured in the 2010 match between Europe and America at Celtic Manor and was reminded of them ahead of the 2023 edition at Marco Simone.
“I said that in my naivete as a young, swashbuckling lad. I’ve now been part of the Ryder Cup a lot and those quotes couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said.
If anything, he has probably been guilty of caring too much in the past. Despite his prodigious talent, the Northern Irishman has never truly made his mark in any of the six previous editions he’s been a part of. His record ahead of the 2023 showdown read 12-12-4, numbers which pale in significance to his ability.
But has Luke Donald now found McIlroy’s perfect role in the European team, one that not only unleashes his potential, but also the potential of those around him?
Given his stature in the game, it has felt like McIlroy has been duty bound to assume a position of leadership in the past. He did it in 2016 and ‘18 and became embroiled in two heated singles matches with Patrick Reed and Justin Thomas respectively. During both defeats, he was like a man possessed, whipping up the crows with gestures that felt forced and at odds with the persona he presents to the world any other time he tees it up.
Arriving at Whistling Straits out of form in 2021 but with the same self-imposed pressure to deliver for his continent, he played like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, culminating in an emotional singles win against Xander Schauffele that reduced him to tears. Nobody can expect to produce their best stuff regularly under such strain.
That’s why it seems like McIlroy has now finally found his Ryder Cup calling, one that can be traced back to his pre-tournament press conference here in Rome. Rather than be held upon a pedestal, the 34-year-old just wants to be one of 12, equal in measure to the rest.
“Yeah, every captain has a…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…