McIlroy eyes champion as Ryder Cup partner

Rory McIlroy would relish the chance to link up with new Open champion Francesco Molinari at this autumn’s Ryder Cup.

Molinari saw off the challenge of some of the greatest names in golf on Sunday to claim his maiden major title at Carnoustie.

The Italian won by two strokes from a group that included McIlroy on a thrilling final day of action in Scotland, lifting himself to the top of the European Ryder Cup standings in the process.

Molinari last appeared in the Ryder Cup in 2012 and McIlroy, Europe’s talisman, feels his return to the team in Paris in September would be much welcomed.

McIlroy said: “He’s always been a great player but, with how he’s played this year, there’s just maybe a little more belief.

“I played with him the final day at Wentworth, where he won, and he didn’t miss a shot.

“So there’s going to be a lot of European guys vying for his partnership in the foursomes at the Ryder Cup, that’s for sure. He’s a fantastic golfer and he’s a great guy.”

McIlroy himself “just ran out of holes” at Carnoustie as he finished in a fourway tie for second place alongside Justin Rose, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele.

After a slow start, McIlroy ignited his challenge with an eagle at the par-five 14th but could not gain any further strokes over the final four holes and signed for 70.

“I don’t really feel like it’s a defeat,” said McIlroy, who looked for the positives. “I feel like it’s been a good week.

“Only one guy out of 156 is going to win, 155 other guys are going to leave a little disappointed.”

Europe captain Thomas Bjorn saw plenty of reasons to be positive for both McIlroy and Rose, who made a late charge with closing rounds of 64 and 69.

Bjorn said: “They will probably be kicking themselves slightly . They’ll feel like they had big chances. It’s not always going to fall your way but they are in great shape.”