Rory McIlroy’s post-Masters hangover continued at the U.S. Open, but he did receive a timely boost on Monday by securing his place in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup squad for Bethpage
Rory McIlroy has earned his spot as the first player on Europe’s Ryder Cup team, which will face Team USA at Bethpage in September.
The news comes even as McIlroy continues to grapple with his form since his career-defining win at the Masters. Despite achieving the coveted career Grand Slam, the world No. 2 hasn’t been in the hunt for a title in the four tournaments following Augusta.
Oakmont witnessed McIlroy take aim at the media and frequently throw clubs around the historic course. While his final round surge landed him a tie for 19th place at the U.S. Open, it was only a glimmer of positivity in an otherwise underwhelming showing.
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Before playing his final round, he candidly expressed his longing to “get out of here,” reflecting a listlessness that’s been apparent in both his game and demeanor since claiming the Green Jacket. Nonetheless, Monday brought McIlroy some cheer with the official notice that he’s secured his position on Luke Donald’s squad.
While recent weeks might not have showcased his best golf, Captain Donald has reason to be heartened by McIlroy’s stellar record earlier this year, including significant victories at The Players and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, not to mention his Masters glory.
McIlroy stands unrivaled at the top of the European qualification rankings, amassing over double the points of his closest rival, Tyrrell Hatton.
The top six players in the rankings secure automatic spots on Donald’s team, while the remaining six positions are filled by the captain’s selections.
Upon learning of his qualification, McIlroy took to Instagram, posting: “I’ll see you at Bethpage,” in a message addressed to his captain.
After ending a 10-year major drought with a Masters win, the five-time major champion has confessed to struggling with motivation; however, defending the Ryder Cup title in New York might be just the spark he needs to reignite his competitive drive.
Since reclaiming the trophy in Rome two years ago, McIlroy has had his sights set on the September showdown against Keegan Bradley’s American team.
“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. And that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage,” he boldly stated following the victory at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in 2023.
McIlroy is set to make his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, but first, he has a major championship homecoming to prepare for.
Next month, The Open will be held in his native Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush, and he hopes the return to familiar territory will rekindle his passion after his post-Masters slump. “If I can’t get motivated to get up for an Open Championship at home, then I don’t know what can motivate me,” he declared at Oakmont on Sunday.
“I just need to get myself in the right frame of mind. I probably haven’t been there the last few weeks.”
Stateside, Scottie Scheffler stands as the sole golfer to have secured his Ryder Cup spot, with U.S. Open victor J.S. Spaun making a significant bid for inclusion in Bradley’s 12-man squad after his landmark triumph at Oakmont.
