McIlroy inspired by Fergie pep talk

European Tour
  • September 24, 2014

Rory McIlroy revealed that a speech by Sir Alex Ferguson on Tuesday night is a source of inspiration for the European Ryder Cup team.

The legendary Manchester United boss was approached by Europe captain Paul McGinley to address his charges before the start of the team event and according to McIlroy, it was a welcome surprise.

“I was just sat there looking up at him, I couldn’t take my eyes off him,” McIlroy said during Wednesday morning’s press conference.

“For me it was the highlight of the week so far.

The world number one added that with McGinley in charge of the side, they are comfortable with being hailed as the favourites to win the trophy again.

“We deserve it, we’ve played well this year,” McIlroy added.

“We should embrace being favourites.”

The Ulsterman also dismissed suggestions that he is taking a risk by using a different driver to the one he has used so successfully this year.

During Wednesday’s practice round at Gleneagles, McIlroy’s decision to switch drivers was compared to a similar decision Phil Mickelson made ahead of the 2004 event, with disastrous results.

“Phil changed from one manufacturer to another whereas this is a driver that I have been using in practice since June, and I wouldn’t be putting it in the bag if I didn’t feel that it was better,” the 25-year-old added.

“I think that everyone saw yesterday that it was the only driver that I had out there so it is looking likely that it is going to be in the bag this week.”
The three-day event starts on Friday.

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