RAVENOUS Rory McIlroy is ready for Ryder Cup revenge.
And Paul McGinley has zero concerns about his motivation to deliver an away Ryder Cup win in New York.
ReutersRory McIlroy celebrates on the 17th green after winning his match during the 2023 Ryder Cup[/caption]
The TimesTeam Europe celebrate winning in Rome two years ago[/caption]
McIlroy was visibly broken by the humbling 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits four years ago, picking up just one point from four matches.
But he laid down the gauntlet immediately after leading Europe to victory in Rome in 2023, insisting they will win at Bethpage Black.
However, after completing his Career Grand Slam with the long-awaited Masters in April, his form dipped and he admitted he was struggling to find the fire.
But after McIlroy, 36, won the Irish Open on a play-off two weeks ago, McGinley insists he is burning bright.
Europe’s strategic advisor was on the trip to New York last week and believes McIlroy will be at his brilliant best for his eight Ryder Cup as he chases a second victory in the USA.
Asked if he thinks the Northern Irishman is as hungry as he was for the Masters, McGinley, 58, said: “I do. He was on a high the last few days, in the middle of all the banter.
“He was the first guy down for breakfast and dinner. You could see how much he loved being around in that environment.
“I’ve no doubt that his K Club performance was related to stepping up again and getting ready for what he has put down as one of the biggest goals in golf, winning an away Ryder Cup.
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“He’s mentally engaged, there is absolutely no doubt. No concerns whatsoever.
“Rory has always been a volatile performer. Rory’s success has never been a straight line. He’s had loads of dips in his career and then he comes roaring back.
“Rory is charismatic, dynamic and a risk-taker. That is a more hit or miss than Scottie Scheffler, who plays the percentages, is very detailed and conservative in his approach.
“I don’t know if Rory will ever lead the world rankings again because Scottie is playing the most consistent golf of anybody since Tiger Woods.
“Rory’s personality is in and out. He gets a flourish and looks unbeatable then he looks like he’s going to miss the cut and then comes back again.
“When Rory’s got something in his sight lines and when he’s really passionate about achieving something, he generally performs and achieves it.”
Superstar McIlroy was part the last European team to win on American soil, 2012’s Miracle at Medinah.
But with heavy defeats in three of the last four trips, Europe have adopted a three-pronged approach to change their fortunes this time around, which sees skipper Luke Donald and 11 of the 12 players from Rome head to New York.
McGinley revealed: “The first roll of the dice was to take back a captain who’d been there before. That was the most important thing.
“Second, data shows rookies have a very low haul in points when they are on the road in an away match. So experience was important.
“Then the third big thing is the players’ communication and dealing with this cauldron of playing away from home.
“This is the most prepared team I’ve ever come across. The detail that we’re going to is quite extraordinary for the toughest away challenge of all, a New York venue.
“Our dietitians have been out in Bethpage over the last six months, meeting with the chef, sharing recipes and ideas.”
Ultimately, though, McGinley, Donald and Co know the Ryder Cup comes down to one key conundrum.
The Sky Sports pundit continued: “Everything is driven towards performance. You can have all the vibe, all the nutrition, all the gym work, preparation.
“The bottom line is: can the players perform in a hostile environment? That’s the question.
“It’s not the PGA Tour where you miss a putt and it’s polite applause.
“When there’s shouting, roaring, personal insults thrown, can you drown out that noise and deliver?
“Footballers are used to that environment because they player it every other week, golfers are not.
“Can our top players bring a massive haul of points? Because you win the Ryder Cup with top players.”
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