Europe captain hails ‘inspirational’ McIlroy
chaska — Rory McIlroy’s Tour Championship-FedExCup Series double in Atlanta at the weekend has given Europe’s team a mighty fillip ahead of the Ryder Cup, said captain Darren Clarke on Monday.
World number three McIlroy rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt at the fourth playoff hole on Sunday to beat American Ryan Moore and win the season-ending PGA Tour event, FedExCup honours and a mind-boggling $10 million bonus.
“From a European perspective it is always good to have one of our members win the week before the Ryder Cup,” a hayfever stricken Clarke told a news conference after arriving at Hazeltine National.
“With the guys that were travelling here today on the plane, we were all there last night with all our caddies in the bar in the hotel watching it on the big screen. Everyone
Rory is a wonderful young man and an unbelievable golfer Clarke, Europe captain
was delighted and excited.
“Rory is a wonderful young man and an unbelievable golfer so he’s a hugely inspirational figure for our team and I feel very lucky he’s on our European side.”
McIlroy vaulted into the playoff with a barnstorming finish to his final round, holing out from 140 yards to eagle the same 16th hole where he would clinch the win 90 minutes later.
“To see Rory showing that fighting spirit and battling the way he did was wonderful,” said Clarke as he constantly dabbed away at his nose with a handkerchief.—