The Northern Irish golfer expects a partisan home crowd with Europe’s lack of fans in Wisconsin increasing the scale of their task
When Rory McIlroy used a devilish pre-Masters poser about voting rights to brand the United States “the best country in the world” it was easy to sense another blow to the once ferocious rivalry as existed in the Ryder Cup. How could McIlroy and other Florida residents, representing Europe for one week every two years, possibly feel antipathy towards their adopted home?
Perfectly easily, as it transpires. McIlroy expands on his “best country” remark by pointing towards convenience of life for someone in his “fortunate” sporting position. McIlroy admires this “land of opportunity.” Yet one glance at his face upon singles defeat to Justin Thomas at Le Golf National in 2018 or McIlroy’s hulk-like demeanour when losing narrowly to Patrick Reed in the same format two years earlier depicts someone who can turn against the star spangled banner. The Ryder Cup is not the cosy domain of those who frequent coffee shops in West Palm Beach.
