McIlroy inspired by Fergie pep talk
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.
Latest
-
PGA ChampionshipTiger Woods falls away at US PGA Championship after nightmare third round
The 15-time major winner had only made the cut with a shot to spare.
-
PGA ChampionshipTyrrell Hatton criticises state of greens at Southern Hills after exit
The 30-year-old had branded Augusta National ‘unfair at times’ after closing rounds of 79 and 80 in last month’s Masters.
-
PGA ChampionshipHistory with Will Zalatoris in push for first major title at US PGA Championship
The American was runner-up in the 2021 Masters and had recorded four top-10 finishes in his seven major appearances before this week.
-
PGA ChampionshipRory McIlroy hails ‘ultimate pro’ Tiger Woods for making halfway cut at US PGA
McIlroy could only add a second round of 71 to his opening 65 at Southern Hills.
-
PGA ChampionshipTiger Woods survives halfway cut to keep US PGA hopes alive
Woods looked set for an early exit following a double bogey on the 11th hole of his second round.
-
PGA ChampionshipMatt Fitzpatrick in contention at Southern Hills despite being no fan of course
Fitzpatrick added a second-round 69 to his opening 68.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Thomas overcomes testing conditions to set clubhouse target at US PGA
Thomas carded a second-consecutive 67 at Southern Hills for a halfway total of 134, six under par.
-
PGA ChampionshipRory McIlroy still the man to beat amid challenging conditions in Tulsa
With the weather due to improve as the day wore on, McIlroy’s tee time had the potential to prove significantly advantageous.
-
PGA ChampionshipRory McIlroy on top but not getting ahead of himself at US PGA Championship
The Northern Irishman carded seven birdies and two bogeys in an opening 65 to record his lowest round in a major since the 2011 US Open.
-
NewsUPS delivers a sponsorship setback to Lee Westwood
The company has ended its deal in an apparent response to Westwood’s involvement with a series of Saudi-backed events.