As it became clear that Team USA was going to take down Team Europe in a historic fashion at the Ryder Cup, Rory McIlroy got emotional. When it comes to the biannual event, the golfers get very invested. This is one of the most unique events in the sport.
Although he won his singles match and got his team a point, it was clear it wouldn’t be enough. The Americans simply dominated the Europeans this year. As one of the bigger names on the team, McIlroy feels he didn’t quite do enough to help his team win. For that, he apologized.
“We’ve had a great time. It looks like it’s not going to pan out the way we wanted out on the golf course. I’m extremely disappointed I haven’t contributed more for the team. I’m glad I got a point on the board today for them, but…it’s been a tough week,” the Northern Irish golfer started out.
One of the biggest reasons why the loss hurts so much, the Europeans have been dominant in recent years. While the United States leads the all-time series, it has been rather one-sided before this year. In fact, the Euro team had won 7 of the last 10 before the year’s Cup.
McIlroy got more emotional reflecting on the event and his team. “The more and more I play in this event, I realize it’s the best event in golf, bar none. I love being a part of it, I can’t wait to be a part of many more…yeah it’s the best.”
This is the sixth Ryder Cup that the golfer has been in and he has only lost twice in that time.
U.S. Team Takes down Rory McIlroy, Team Europe
This tournament started off with the Americans getting out to a hot start. They took a very early lead of 9-3 and then the Europeans started to threaten a comeback. While they battled back hard, the U.S. team was able to head into the final day of competition with an 11-5 lead.
Having already gotten out to a hot start Friday and Saturday, the pressure was on, but not as intense as it could have been for the Americans. However, the European team felt plenty of pressure. Although Rory McIlroy was able to take down Olympic gold medalist Xander Shauffele, the rest of the Euro singles players did not have success.
With just a half-point needed to clinch the victory, Collin Morikawa was hoping to put it away for the Americans. He continued his last year-plus of great golf and clinched the point for his team. Morikawa defeated Viktor Hovland in order to score for the United States. After some frustration from the Americans in recent years, the shoe is now on the other foot and it’s Europe’s turn.
