Victorious 2012 European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has singled out Rory McIlroy as pivotal in Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup in September at Gleneagles.
Olazabal spear-headed the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ when his European side came from behind to deny the Davis Love 111 led Americans.
And while McIlroy had somewhat of a disappointing 2013, and eased in part from his stunning Australian Open win over Masters champion Adam Sctott, the 24-year old has leaped into 2014 with a bang announcing his engagement to tennis ace, Caroline Wozniacki.
However with some nine months to the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Olazabal sees the double Major winning Northern Irishman as key if Paul McGinley’s led side is to retain the gleaming gold trophy.
Winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal and Rory McIlroy with the Ryder Cup at the end of Sunday’s singles matches at the Ryder Cup 2012, Medinah Country Club,Medinah, Illinois,USA 30/09/2012.Picture: Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie.
“Rory is a team player,” said Olazabal.
“But that was before he played in it. After he had been a player, he realised how special it is. As captain, I had no problem whatever with him. I told him I might rest him and he had no objections to that.”
The Spaniard thinks McIlroy’s victory in Sydney was an important key as it shows he has rediscovered his winning touch.
“It’s true the Australian victory was not as important as winning the US PGA by eight in 2012,” Olazabal added.
“But winning on the 72nd hole was huge in the sense that Rory had been struggling with his game for the whole year and you always want to win a tournament. That is the best proof that your game is coming back. That’s all he needs to build his confidence. He has been playing much better over the last few months.”
He also offered some advice to former World No.1 Luke Donald.
“When he was No 1 in the world [in 2011], he was very consistent from tee to green,” he said. “Something like 84 per cent of the time he had only two shots.
“That is hard to beat. The only problem last year was his short game was not as good as it was in the past. But sooner or later Luke will be knocking on the door.”
Although Olazabal says there is great talent in the European ranks, the Americans will pose a potent threat.
“It’s not going to be a shoo-in at all,” Olazabal said. “The American pride has been hurt and I’m sure they will do all they can to win that trophy back.
“Paul [McGinley, this year’s captain] knows he has his hands full and the players will have to play extraordinarily well to keep the trophy.”
World No.1 Tiger Woods will undoubtedly be in the American team. Woods has often misfired in the Ryder Cup, picking up just 14 points out of a possible 29, which some say is down to a selfish nature.
“I don’t think the word is selfish,” said Olazabal. “I think he is an individual-minded guy. I’ve played with Tiger many times, I know how good he is, how strong mentally. But we are all scratching our heads as to why he doesn’t perform to his standards at the Ryder Cup.
“Tiger will break Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 Majors. I have always believed that. His dominance is not as strong as it was. Players might not be as afraid of him as they were 12 to 15 years ago but I’m telling you, he will win more Majors.”
On McGinley, he said: “He’s been there, done it as a player and as vice-captain a couple of times [including under Olazabal].
“He knows what to do. You don’t need to be a winner of 10 Majors to be a great leader. A great leader is the one who finds a way to inspire others to achieve a common goal.”
