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<\/p>\nRory McIlroy was ruthless in his mocking of the USA after the Europeans crushed Zach Johnson’s side at the Ryder Cup in Rome. And the Northern Irishman doubled down on the onslaught by predicting that Team Europe would successfully defend their title in New York in two years’ time.<\/p>\n
World No. 2 McIlory was left in tears at Whistling Straits in 2021, when the USA thrashed Europe with a record 19-9 rout, but it was tears of joy for the Northern Irishman at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club as Luke Donald’s brilliant team regained the cup with a superb 16.5-11.5 triumph.<\/p>\n
A euphoric McIlroy was front and centre of the European team’s celebrations both on the course and off it. His desire to win boiled over on Saturday evening when he was involved in an ugly confrontation with Patrick Cantley’s caddie Joe LaCava.<\/p>\n
But with the matter put to bed, Europe’s top-ranked star refocused to beat USA’s Sam Burns 3&1 before leading the post-round celebrations.<\/p>\n
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The jubilant players were shown on camera to be singing on the team coach as they headed back to their hotel. With the help of Shane Lowry, McIlroy led a rendition of the popular 90s dance hit Gala – Freed from Desire with the chorus lyrics changed to “Europe’s on fire – USA is terrified” as the victorious team travelled through Rome.<\/p>\n
McIlroy had once again been tearful at the end of a Ryder Cup but this time it was for all the right reasons.<\/p>\n
He said: “Ever since Whistling Straits [two years ago] I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.<\/p>\n
“It’s a great bounce-back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n USA had been considered marginal favourites for this year’s Ryder Cup thanks to their huge win last time out, but that was not backed up by their historical data playing overseas. The Americans have not won a Ryder Cup in Europe since 1993 and they will have to wait another four years to try again.<\/p>\n McIlory is all too aware of just how difficult it is to win the competition as the away team but with four rookies now bedded in and the trophy on the mantlepiece, he believes that they can go to the notorious Bethpage Black course in New York and retain the silverware in 24 months time.<\/p>\n “I’ve said this for the last probably six or seven years to anyone that will listen: I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup,” McIlroy said.<\/p>\n “And that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage.”<\/p>\n
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