RORY McILROY urged his Europe team-mates to prove they are one of the greatest sides in Ryder Cup history by retaining the trophy on American soil.
Since McIlroy — who partners Tommy Fleetwood against Collin Morikawa and Harris English in today’s opening foursomes — was part of Europe’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’ comeback triumph in 2012, there have been five consecutive thumping home victories.
GettyRory McIlroy has issued a rallying cry to Team Europe[/caption]
EPARasmus Hojgaard is the only new addition to the team[/caption]
But the Masters champion believes Luke Donald’s team can buck that trend with an away win.
Donald has named 11 of the same 12 players who won in Rome two years ago — with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard replacing twin brother Nicolai as the only change.
And McIlroy, competing at his eighth Ryder Cup, said: “Since 2012, the home team has won every time and they also won convincingly.
“So whatever team breaks that streak is going to go down as one of the best in Ryder Cup history.
“We are playing for history and we’re playing for the players that came before us and the people that laid the foundations of what the European Ryder Cup team is.
“We are also playing for the guys that are going to come behind us.
“We have a wonderful opportunity but it’s going to be very difficult.”
McIlroy and Europe wore purple yesterday — the same attire donned at Medinah 13 years ago.
He added: “I love the continuity of this team.
“I love that 11 of the 12 are the same as we had in Rome — and the 12th has the same DNA as the other one!”
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton start Europe’s defence against US crowd favourites Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas.
DeChambeau will be gutted that he is not going head-to-head with McIlroy.
The ace spoke about taking on the Team Europe star and called him a “fierce competitor”.
President Donald Trump will be in attendance on Friday.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
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