Tearful McIlroy vows woeful Ryder Cup will ‘fuel the fire’
KOHLER, United States: Weeping Rory McIlroy vowed his poor performance at the Ryder Cup will ‘fuel the fire’ for a 2023 rematch in Italy after Europe were routed by the United States on Sunday.
The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland salvaged a solitary point from the team golf showdown on Sunday by beating Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele 3&2 in the first match out at Whistling Straits.
But Europe dropped five of the next six to surrender the trophy it had won in four of the past five events and McIlroy, his voice cracking as he wiped away tears, could only regret losing so much.
“I just, I love being a part of this team so much and I should have done more for them this week. I’m glad I was able to get a point for Europe. It has been a tough week,” McIlroy said after the worst Ryder Cup display of his career.
“I haven’t been able to contribute as much as I wanted to that but it’s still such a great experience to be part of these Ryder Cup teams and this will just fuel the fire even more for us in two years’ time in Rome.”
The world number 15 struggled as he has much of the season, falling alongside Europe talisman Ian Poulter 5&3 to Patrick Cantlay and Xander schauffele in Friday foursomes and 4&3 in Saturday four-balls to Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa.
McIlroy also partnered with Irishman Shane Lowry in a 4-3 Friday four-balls loss to Harris English and Tony Finau, one that brought McIlroy’s first 0-2 day at a Ryder Cup and a benching for Saturday foursomes.
“Glad I got a point on the board for Europe, but disappointed I didn’t do it sooner. Two good opportunities Friday and Saturday to sort of lift us out of a hole and I wasn’t able to do it,” McIlroy said.
“It’s disappointing. It sucks losing. It sucks not being able to be competitive and yeah, I’m glad I put a point on the board for Europe today and that was my goal and mission and I was able to accomplish that. But when I look back on this week, it will be a case of sort of lost opportunity.”
It will also inspire him when the chance comes to reclaim the trophy in Rome.