McIlroy ready for ‘special’ Ryder Cup
Fresh off his win at the TOUR Championship, Rory McIlroy is looking forward to the Ryder Cup this week.
The biennial event tees of at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Friday and McIlroy will be hoping to feature in a European team hunting their fourth straight victory.
While this will be McIlroy's fourth Ryder Cup appearance, there is one thing that makes the 2016 edition special: Captain Darren Clarke.
McIlroy has had a connection with his fellow Northern Irishman since his early golfing days and considers Clarke a mentor and a friend.
"My relationship goes back a long way with Darren Clarke – it's very special for me this week, I think it's very special for both of us," said the 27-year-old.
"I have always wanted to win for the captain but probably even more so this year because of the relationship I have with Darren.
"It's an experience we don't get any other time of the golfing year. It's always different, we're the away team. It will be a different vibe for us but everything that goes on around you when you stand over that ball at the first tee, you have to clear your mind and focus on playing great golf.
"I think for me it's about being confident in my game, I'm playing pretty well."
And playing well he is, as McIlroy is coming off a thrilling playoff win at the PGA Tour season-ending TOUR Championship on Sunday, picking up his first FedEx Cup title in the process.
Despite being a great personal achievement, McIlroy is aware that this weekend requires a team mindset.
"I don't know how much bearing it will have on the team overall," he added.
"I'm excited to be here, I've never experienced a loss and that's the goal this weekend as well.
"Hopefully I can continue to play the way I have been playing and play quality shots under pressure in the Ryder Cup."
Latest
-
NewsSergio Garcia feeling rested and ready for Ryder Cup after wild card ‘gamble’
The Spaniard has won 25.5 points at the Ryder Cup.
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.