‘It’s a player-led team in America’: Rory McIlroy weighs in on US Ryder Cup captaincy debate | Ryder Cup
Rory McILroy believes that the growing probability that Keegan Bradley plays and captain of the United States in the Ryder Cup of this year embodies a difference in approach between competing teams. Bradley’s recent victory over the PGA Tour means that he is about to play a double role while the United States tries to find the European Bethpage Cup in September. Europe advantage?
A year ago at the Scottish Open, McILroy insisted that the concept of captain of the game was seriously defective. After publishing a 65 Friday to fire in the edition in 2025 of the tournament, McILroy addressed the same problem with Laughter. “I hope it’s impossible,” he said about a game captain.
McILroy was more serious during the praise of Bradley. “Keegan played very much, he had a great year. I am not in these conversations and, from an external point of view, it will be interesting to see what the American team does with that.
“I really think that the American team is better with Keegan who is playing not to play. He is one of the 12 best American players at the moment. It will be a few months interesting to see how it all shakes.”
The wider evaluation of McILroy of the scenario was more striking. In Europe, Luke Donald is strongly empowered as a captain. “This is a different perspective, absolutely,” said McILroy. “It really looks like it’s a team led by players in America. We have our contribution as players in the European team, but we have this figurehead in Luke. I think it’s important.
“Even going back to Rome, when the Americans took a fairly difficult start, because Zach [Johnson] gave the team so much of property that they had no one to look at. They looked at each other instead of having a focal point: “Tell us what to do”. This is something that Europe has very well done. But the players also allowed the captain to be captain too. »»
The turn of the five units of McILroy and less the total of seventeen at the Renaissance Club means that it is four at the drift of Chris Gotterup, who carded a superb 61. The 63 of Matt Fitzpatrick moved him to eight sous.
“I am excited for the weekend in full thick things, in the running in the last two days,” said McILroy. “You know that is where there is something on which you have to work in your game, it will show when you are under this kind of pressure while trying to win. I can’t wait to do it.”
The official golf organization confirmed that LIV has submitted an offer to be included in the system. The players of the LIV tour have not been able to earn ranking points since its creation in 2022.
“LIV request will be examined in accordance with OWGR criteria to guarantee equity, integrity and consistency,” said Trevor Immelman, president of the classification board.
