Tiger Woods confirmed it will be the goal of every USA Ryder Cup team member to bring down Rory McIlroy.
Not because McIlroy may be the best player in the rival European Team but simply because he’s currently the No. 1 ranked player in the world.
Woods had been in the sights of his rivals for near on a decade but now it’s McIlroy.
Tiger Woods says it is to be expected World No. 1 Rory McIlroy is the target for all Americans this week. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
“It’s all part of being ranked No. 1,” said Woods.
“It’s part of winning major championships. You’re always going to want to try and take out their best player, and that’s just part of the deal.
“That’s a fun challenge. I certainly have relished it over the years and I’m sure he’s going to relish it this week.”
McIlroy heads into his second Ryder Cup looking to become the first-ever European to earn five points from five matches.
In contrast, Woods has 14 Major Championships but when it’s come to team competition the current World No. 2 has generally disappointed.
But helping the USA Team once again this week is NBA legend, Michael Jordan.
And Woods revealed an insight into his relationship with the basketball legend.
“Well, the first time I had ever been around him, he had fed me some beverages (laughter) and the next day was a little bit more difficult than I would like it to be,” said Wood.
“But I still shot some really good numbers that day, and made an eagle on the last hole to win. So that certainly feels good.
“But you know, Michael being who he has been in the sport and what he’s done, for him to be a part of‑‑ and want to be part of this, is special for us.
“This is one of the greatest athletes to ever live, and you know, he wants to be a part of golf and be a part of and share with us what he’s been through.
“For us, that’s incredible. I think it’s hilarious to see him in a cart like in’97, riding around in the back of a cart, because you don’t see guys who are 6’6” out here very often. But to have, as I said, to have him be a part of this, it’s priceless for a lot of these guys.
“I guess for me, because I consider him like my big brother, gotten to know him so well over the years, I may take that for granted. But some of the other guys who don’t really know Michael, I think it’s a real treat for them.”
And Woods payed European Team rookie, Nicolas Colsaerts a huge compliment despite the American superstar golfer having never really met the big-hitting Belgium.
“Well, Nicolas, I’ve only seen‑‑ I don’t think I’ve ever played with him, or at least I don’t remember playing with him,” said Woods.
“I’ve seen him on the range numerous times and I’ve hit balls next to him, seems like just about every time we are at the same event. It’s amazing how far he hits it. I mean, he’s one of the longest out here. He’s got just a beautiful golf swing.
“It was just a matter of time before he got things a little bit more consistent and he was going to be at this level.
“And I think he can play at this level for a very long time. He has the game to do it.
“So for him to play here I think is going to be an experience for him, and it will be a good learning experience, and I think one that will certainly help him in his career going forward.”
