Ryder Cup 2012: Rory McIlroy plays down Ryder Cup role

By Tom FordyceChief sports writer at the Medinah Country Club

Last updated on .From the section Golfcomments25

Rory McIlroy insists he is neither Europe's team leader nor their marked man in this week's Ryder Cup clash at Medinah Country Club, Chicago.

McIlroy is the only multiple major winner in Jose Maria Olazabal's team and consequently the most recognisable European golfer in the United States.

But the 23-year-old said: "This week I'm not the number one player in the world, I'm one player in a 12-man team.

"There are 12 guys all striving towards the same goal, I'm just part of that."

McIlroy, who has two major victories to his name, added: "I don't think my role is a leader in the team room. I think it's more a leader out on the course, to try to get points on the board.

"There are a lot more guys that have played more Ryder Cups than me and are more experienced in the team room, who know when to speak up and have different views on things."

McIlroy's team-mate Ian Poulter, playing in his fourth Ryder Cup, could be one member of the European team who fulfils that task.

Almost certain to draw the heat from the partisan home crowds - 40,000 are expected each day around Course No.3 - Poulter was happy to stoke the fires ahead of Friday morning's opening foursomes.

"We are all good friends but there's something about the Ryder Cup that intrigues me," said the 36-year-old.

"How you can be great mates with somebody but, boy, do you want to kill them in Ryder Cup.

"It's going to be intimidating but it's going to be brilliant. I wouldn't want to be in any other situation this week - it fills you with pride and passion to go out there.

"I get very proud to pull this shirt on and have that crest on my chest. I want to give it my all - I just love it."

Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods and Ryder Cup team-mate Jim Furyk, as well as former US captain Paul Azinger, have all said that McIlroy will be targeted by the US team this week.

But the Northern Irishman, who won the US PGA Championship by eight shots six weeks ago, believes he has matured as a player and a man since his Ryder Cup debut at Celtic Manor two years ago, when he won only one of his four matches.

"I don't think I have a bullseye on my back," said McIlroy, who is the youngest in the visitors' ranks by a full three years.

"I think it's a huge compliment that people are saying they want to beat me, but whoever wants to take me on can take me on.

"Last time, after the first 11 holes I was very anxious. I was very tentative, trying not to make a mistake instead of just going out and freewheeling it and playing the way I usually do.

"It's going to be different this year. I'm going to go out and give it a go, to enjoy it.

"I definitely have more confidence in myself as a player than I did two years ago. I'm a lot more sure of myself and sure of my ability, so I think the feeling will be different going on to the first tee here on Friday."

McIlroy appeared underwhelmed by the Ryder Cup at this stage two years ago, saying he would rather sink a winning putt at a major than against the US.

Now he has done that twice - he also won the US Open in 2011 - his views have come into line with those of Englishman Poulter.

"Celtic Manor opened my eyes," he said. "It's just a very different atmosphere - being part of a team, not playing for yourself, playing for your 11 team-mates, your captain, your vice-captains, your country, your continent.

"It's a big deal. I realised that last time in Wales. You can just see that by the celebrations when somebody holes a putt and the emotions that are generated.

"You don't see anyone getting this excited about any other golf tournament, and that's what makes it so special."

Friday, 28 September (all times BST)

23:59-02:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Highlights from Day One

Saturday 29 September

11:00-13:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Repeat of Day One highlights

23:59-02:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Highlights from Day Two

Sunday 30 September

14:00-16:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Repeat of Day Two highlights

23:00-01:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Highlights from Day Three

Monday 1 October

19:00-20:00 - BBC Two & BBC HD channel - Repeat of Day Three highlights

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25 comments

  • Sky has the rights to this, the BBC is only showing delayed partial coverage. Am I right that players are doing this for free? If so, why is Sky able to exclude public coverage? I just do not understand why this has happened; why it can happen. Who is taking the profit from this?

  • Considering the stick Poulter gets sometimes for what he says - I'd have a man who talks like that on my team any day. I think he's a team player , no fears in revving up the oppo .... and possibly the only person on the Euro team who'll be comfortable playing in such a hideous kit - tame by his standards!! Come on Europe - keep the summer of sport alive!!!

  • ANOTHER McIlroy blog?

    Was just wondering, do we have anyone else in the Ryder Cup, or did we send Rory on his own? This is getting ridiculous. I like the kid, I just dont see how a blog every five minutes is needed, or fair on the others.

    I mean, as a reader, I AM interested in other people too.

  • I was wondering where all the money from this goes??? Players play for free, loads of sponsors, shown on pay TV.......nice little earner for someone?

  • @8
    "I was wondering where all the money from this goes?"

    Here's a link explaining how the profits are distributed by the Ryder Cup European Development Trust Fund:

    http://www.pgae.com/pages/view/ryder-cup-european-development-trust-fund

  • @19 why don't you spend half your life in the bookies if you can make such accurate predictions?

  • @19
    I take it you and your company are the richest people in the world as your predictor is 100% right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @ 12.

    And I love comments like yours - where you take issue with one poster denigrating one sport, and then denigrate two olympic sports yourself. Not all sports have to involve a ball or spiked footwear, all should involve a degree of skill. The irony is that anyone who is successful in the sporting world probably wouldn't feel the need to put other sports down.

  • I say, has'nt it been more than 12 hours since the last McIlroy blog? You're slipping, BBC! I'm half expecting you to come up with a blog of McIlroy's response to Snedeker's "I'm going to bash your brains in" comment. Surely Mac has something to say to this? Surely you can prompt a line from him and write 6 blogs about it.

  • @4

    All of Poulter's colleagues in the various Ryder Cup's he has played in have said that he is great team player. And, to be fair, I think they are better placed to make a judgement than you are.

    @19

    I will remember your post and will take great pleasure in reminding you of it when you are proved wrong.

  • My company use a highly sophisticated advanced technological system to predict results in golf. I have a 100% record in predicting exact final scores in the last 5 Ryder Cups (before that my ever evolving predictor technology did not exist).
    The score will be US 15.5 Europe 12.5
    I have a minuscule error margin so much so that I guarantee this score, no other. Remember this post.

  • All the hype about one player. RMc can contribute only 4 points. In 3 fo the games, there is another player who will also play a part. Only in the singles is RMc totally accountable for his own actions. Let's see what happens. Peaople call it a team game yet are almost implying that RMc has to win if EU is to retain Ryder Cup.

  • I couldn't agree with McIlroy more.

    The US seem to be putting all their efforts into ensuring they beat Rory but theres 11 other members of this team.

    This could back fire on the US and I hope it does as I would love to see Europe retain - it would be as sweet as winning the ashes in Oz (:

  • @11
    My thoughts exactly.

    Yesterday I was accused of being a "rory hater" (whatever that's supposed to be!)
    My gripe is bad journalism from the bbc. The kid is good enough, and unfair to pile all this pressure on him. But all the top pro's are brilliant golfers, so let's read more about them too.

  • I've got a feeling that the hype that's been building for this to be one of the best ever and closest Ryder Cups may not prove to be right. Would love to see a close encounter with Europe just shading it or even 14-14 to retain the cup but have a feeling that it could end up 16-12 or 17-11 (or worse) to either side

  • How anyone can not like Poulter is beyond me. Passion personified, delivers for the team each time he plays and doesn't take himself too seriously. As for Rors - he is the man. He laps up pressure for fun so will take all of this in his stride. In fairness there isn't a weak link in this team and with the guidance of Oli and the spirit of Seve we will WIN!!

  • The Rory McIlroy show or what, the media don't half pile the pressure on the kid, irresponsibly so in my opinion. He seems like he can take it but we have seen this before. Whilst he is winning and in the flourish of youth all is well, let's just hope he doesn't go the same way as a couple of other Northern Irish geniuses before him.

  • The money goes to the 2 tours, PGA and European which then gets invested in other tournaments and youth golf so wouldn't be complaining too much. No 9 I hate comments like this, of course golf is a sport, I take it in your eyes only Football and Rugby will be sports?? Golf is more a sport than cricket or half the Olympic "sports" Shooting? Archery?

  • @8: That's the great mystery. Even the Internet doesn't know :(

    @9: They don't play much snooker in the US. It's all pool and they play the Musconi Cup against Europe.

  • Like it or lump it, Rory will be targeted by the Americans. Most of them will be underdogs against him (maybe not TW!!) and will have little pressure on them. If he loses a few early on it will damage Europe. I think the USA will win by a couple of points.

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