RORY MCILROY BROKE down in tears during an emotional interview after salvaging some personal pride from a disappointing Ryder Cup with a singles victory on Sunday.
The four-time major winner had been expected to lead the European challenge at Whistling Straits but suffered three defeats as he failed to fire over the first two days.
He rallied to beat Xander Schauffele 3&2 in the singles but the European team looked set to lose heavily to the United States. There was disappointment for Shane Lowry as he lost 4&2 in his match to Patrick Cantlay.
Asked about his experience, McIlroy struggled to get his words out as he choked back the tears on live TV.
“I just… I love being a part of this team,” the Northern Irishman, who was playing his sixth Ryder Cup, said on Sky Sports. “I love my team-mates so much. I should have done more for them this week.
“I am glad I put a point on the board for Europe today, but I just can’t wait to get another shot at this.
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“It is… by far the best experience in golf and I hope little boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in this or the Solheim Cup because there is nothing better than being part of a team, especially the bond we have in Europe.
"I love being a part of it. I can't wait to be a part of many more. It's the best." pic.twitter.com/rn2iizLyoF
“No matter what happens after this I am proud of every single one of the players that played this week, I am proud of our captain and vice-captains.
“I just wish I could have done a little more for the team. It has been a tough week.”
McIlroy further underlined his love for the Ryder Cup in another interview with American broadcaster NBC, and said he was not ashamed to cry about the matter.
“I’ve never cried about what I’ve done as an individual,” he said. “I don’t give a ****.”
McIlroy got off to a strong start in winning two of the first four holes against Schauffele but the American was only one down at the turn after winning the seventh.
The response on the back nine from McIlroy was key as he won the 10th, 11th and 14th holes, Schauffele’s only fightback coming courtesy of a birdie on the 13th. The pair halved the next two holes before it was settled with McIlroy winning out.
Shane Lowry. Ashley Landis
Ashley Landis
Lowry got off to a bright start in his match against Cantlay with a birdie on the second but Cantlay responded by winning the next four holes to leave the 2019 Open champion facing an uphill struggle.
After his heroics in the fourballs on Saturday, Lowry fought back impressively to win the 10th and 12th holes. He was only one down as the pair teed off on the 14th but then Cantlay produced a brilliant burst of form to win the next three holes with birdies, triumphing 4&2 overall.
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I love my team-mates so much – Rory McIlroy emotional after Ryder Cup struggles
RORY MCILROY BROKE down in tears during an emotional interview after salvaging some personal pride from a disappointing Ryder Cup with a singles victory on Sunday.
The four-time major winner had been expected to lead the European challenge at Whistling Straits but suffered three defeats as he failed to fire over the first two days.
He rallied to beat Xander Schauffele 3&2 in the singles but the European team looked set to lose heavily to the United States. There was disappointment for Shane Lowry as he lost 4&2 in his match to Patrick Cantlay.
Asked about his experience, McIlroy struggled to get his words out as he choked back the tears on live TV.
“I just… I love being a part of this team,” the Northern Irishman, who was playing his sixth Ryder Cup, said on Sky Sports. “I love my team-mates so much. I should have done more for them this week.
“I am glad I put a point on the board for Europe today, but I just can’t wait to get another shot at this.
“It is… by far the best experience in golf and I hope little boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in this or the Solheim Cup because there is nothing better than being part of a team, especially the bond we have in Europe.
“No matter what happens after this I am proud of every single one of the players that played this week, I am proud of our captain and vice-captains.
“I just wish I could have done a little more for the team. It has been a tough week.”
McIlroy further underlined his love for the Ryder Cup in another interview with American broadcaster NBC, and said he was not ashamed to cry about the matter.
“I’ve never cried about what I’ve done as an individual,” he said. “I don’t give a ****.”
McIlroy got off to a strong start in winning two of the first four holes against Schauffele but the American was only one down at the turn after winning the seventh.
The response on the back nine from McIlroy was key as he won the 10th, 11th and 14th holes, Schauffele’s only fightback coming courtesy of a birdie on the 13th. The pair halved the next two holes before it was settled with McIlroy winning out.
Lowry got off to a bright start in his match against Cantlay with a birdie on the second but Cantlay responded by winning the next four holes to leave the 2019 Open champion facing an uphill struggle.
After his heroics in the fourballs on Saturday, Lowry fought back impressively to win the 10th and 12th holes. He was only one down as the pair teed off on the 14th but then Cantlay produced a brilliant burst of form to win the next three holes with birdies, triumphing 4&2 overall.
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Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup Shane Lowry Whistling Straits