Rory McIlroy has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of this weekend’s Ryder Cup, declaring that Europe are playing for their place in history at Bethpage Black.
The Northern Irishman believes whichever side manages to win on away soil will earn legendary status, given that home teams have dominated every contest since 2012.
“We are playing for history. We want to try to leave a legacy,” McIlroy said. “Whatever team is the one to break that duck is going to go down as one of the best teams in Ryder Cup history.”
McIlroy knows he’ll face a rough reception from the New York crowd, but he’s ready for it after learning from previous away experiences.
Rory McIlroy has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of this weekend’s Ryder Cup, declaring that Europe are playing for their place in history at Bethpage Black
|
REUTERS
The 36-year-old admits he’s struggled to find the right balance when dealing with hostile fans in the past.
“I felt at times in the Ryder Cup, I have engaged too much with the crowd. But then there’s times where I haven’t engaged enough,” he revealed, pointing to his overly emotional approach at Hazeltine in 2016 and feeling flat at Whistling Straits in 2021.
JUST IN: Sergio Busquets announces retirement as Barcelona legend ends glittering career
Rory McIlroy has been taunted by the home fans throughout practice, and opened up on his engagement with fans in recent years
|
REUTERS
He warned his team-mates they’ll need to discover their own way of handling the partisan atmosphere.
“I can’t tell anyone on the team what that balance is – they really have to find it themselves,” he explained.
The opening day promises fireworks right from the start, with Europe sending out the fiery combination of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to face Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas in the first foursomes match.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
It’s a bold move from Donald, who’s banking on the Spanish-English duo’s successful partnership from Rome two years ago.
McIlroy himself will feature in the third match alongside Tommy Fleetwood, taking on Collin Morikawa and Harris English.
The morning session also sees Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick facing world No1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, whilst Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland complete the European line-up against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
World No1 Scottie Scheffler partners Russell Henley in the opening morning
|
REUTERS
Play kicks off at 12.10pm UK time. Fans have been urged to arrive early due to heightened security measures with the expected presence of Donald Trump.
The atmosphere is set to reach fever pitch with President Trump’s attendance, though he won’t be there for the opening tee shots.
US captain Keegan Bradley is embracing the hostile environment, even carrying a massive American flag down the 18th fairway during practice to whip up the home support.
🇺🇸 U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley is running up the fairway on 18 with an American flag firing up fans.
(Via: @KellenbergerGLF) @KeegsArmy
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 25, 2025
“We wanted to send out a fiery group to lead us out with these fans,” Bradley said, backing one of the home favourites DeChambeau to thrive in the cauldron-like atmosphere.
He’s even challenged the big-hitting American to drive the first green, adding: “We want him to do what he does.”
Donald, though, remains unfazed by the expected drama and insisted his players are prepared for what’s coming.
“I think they are all going to be pretty feisty,” he said. “Tomorrow will be a different level.”
