Rory Mcllroy Plays Down Importance of Ryder Cup

It seems that Rory Mcllroy is not a huge fan of the Ryder Cup. The talented youngster has described the competition between Europe and USA as nothing more than an ‘exhibition’. The comments were made by Mcllroy ahead of the Irish Open where he will be partnered by European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. Interesting timing from the 20-year-old, it has to be said.

So, what did he actually say? Well, he said that playing in the Ryder Cup was ‘not a huge goal’ of his and that it is ‘not an important event’ as far as his career is concerned.

When it comes to qualifying for the Ryder Cup many players move their schedule around to create more chances to gain Ryder Cup points. Mcllroy will not be taking this type of action though.

The Northern Irishman seems to have adopted a ‘if I play well enough, I play well enough’ type approach. If he doesn’t manage to qualify, it isn’t going to be seen as a setback for him. Whatever happens - happens.

Asked for his opinions on Mcllroy’s comments, European captain Montgomerie refused to be drawn into a war of words with the 20-year-old. The Scotsman did say that Mcllroy will ‘understand the Ryder Cup’ a lot more when he plays in it for the first time.

Montgomerie went on to say that he would expect the whole scenario and pressure of the Ryder Cup to hit any young player ‘very hard’. Perhaps this will be the case. Once Mcllroy starts to get a taste for representing Europe, he may feel differently about the competition.

For now though, it seems a safe golf bet that he has other priorities. He wants to achieve all he can as an individual in the next year or so. Then, if this lands him a Ryder Cup spot, he will deal with that when it comes.