No fireworks, McIlroy swears
Rory McIlroy will adopt a calmer tone for this week’s Ryder Cup than his emotional high-energy style from 2016, with the four-time major winner saying yesterday he wants no repeat of an energy fade.
The 2018 Ryder Cup starts tomorrow at Le Golf National and McIlroy will try to help Europe reclaim the trophy after a 17-11 loss to the Americans two years ago at Hazeltine in the biennial tournament.
The 29-year-old from Northern Ireland makes his fifth Ryder Cup appearance after losing an intense singles match to 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed at Hazeltine that featured screams, teasing with American spectators and a lesson for McIlroy.
“I could play it for nine holes and then it suddenly hit me. The level sort of declined after that and the last 10 holes weren’t quite as good,” McIlroy said. “It looked tiring [on video] to play golf like that for three days.
“I learned a lot from that. It’s good to get excited but at the same time, if I have to play a late match, I want to have all my energy in reserve so I can give everything for 18 holes because I did hit a wall that back nine and it cost me.”
Europe tries to reclaim the trophy with a ninth win in 12 attempts while the Americans seek their first win on European soil since 1993.
Americans have become better at following Europe’s team model in the Ryder Cup.
“The strength of Europe has been we all get behind one another and whatever differences we may have, we put them to the side and we’re a cohesive unit. I think that has served us well.
“The dynamic of the American team has become more cohesive in the last few years and I think that’s to do with the younger guys really embracing the Ryder Cup.”
McIlroy says he gets nervous on every opening tee shot but there is nothing like the Ryder Cup, especially with a huge 6 900seat grandstand.
“It’s nerve-wracking. You try and put your ball on that tee and it takes you a couple times to get it to settle on there,” McIlroy said.
“It’s a huge grandstand. Playing a practice round yesterday, there was nobody in it and I still got goosebumps, thinking, on Friday (tomorrow) this thing is going to be packed.
“I’m excited for that. One of the very special things about the Ryder Cup is that first tee experience on Friday morning.” – AFP