World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has the guts to beat anyone, and fears no one says his long-time coach, Michael Bannon.

Bannon revealed this in an interview printed today in a number leading UK newspapers.

Bannon was the resident professional at the Holywood Golf Club and has been coaching McIlroy since he was seven years old.  Bannon then moved to the Bangor Club and more recently, he has quit that position to travel with the doulbe Major Champion.

And with the Ryder Cup now just less than a fortnight away Bannon said there’s nothing McIlroy is looking more forward to than his second straight appearance in European Team colours.

“There is no question he is looking forward to the Ryder Cup,” said Bannon in the various articles.

“He has the guts for it, he is a gutsy player. Look at the way he finished the US PGA. At the Deutsche Bank Open, Rory was three shots behind going into the final round and six behind at one stage in the third round yet still won.

“He just has that ability to finish things off, which is, of course, a crucial component of matchplay golf.

“He has the tools to beat anybody. And he won’t fear anybody.”

McIlroy returns to competition this Thursday at the final event of the 2012 FedEx Cup Series and looking to win a third of the four events and also package up the $US 10m windfall in winning the Series.