As Team Europe gear up in a bid to win their fourth consecutive Ryder Cup against Team USA, Rory McIlroy has opened up about his reasons for wanting to win.
The County Down native revealed that he really wants to win the Ryder Cup for his childhood hero and now captain, Darren Clarke. He remembers the first time he met the golfing legend seventeen years ago, and recalls all those memories vividly now.
Speaking to the BBC Rory said, “I’ve always wanted the win for the captain, but probably even more so this year because of Darren and the relationship we have.
“I met Darren for the first time on my 10th birthday on the practice range at Royal Portrush Golf Club and we’ve known each other ever since.
“That was my birthday present, to play Royal Portrush, or actually the Valley Course next to it. My dad took me up there. I was chipping around the chipping green, and that’s where Darren was, and I was just in awe of him.
“That day has always stuck with me and, even this week, all those memories come rushing back of the times that we’ve spent together from Portrush down to Portmarnock, where he held his foundation weekend every year.
“Here we are, in the biggest stage of the game, and I’m able to play under him as a Ryder Cup captain.”
Best of luck to Team Europe!