Rory McIlroy Ready To Take A Stand & Make His Voice Heard At Hazeltine.

Chaska, Minnesota … 

In his three prior Ryder Cup appearances Rory McIlroy has calmly listened and let sink-in what’s been said in the European team room.

Thought that’s all set to change this week at Hazeltine for the double Tour Championship and reigning FedEx Cup champion.

McIlroy had been a rookie at Celtic Manor in 2010 and then was leading European Team qualifier in both 2012 and 2014, and when he also went to Gleneagles at World No. 1.

But now in wearing a fourth Ryder Cup cap, McIlroy has no reservations in standing-up in what will be the the second floor European Team of the brand new clubhouse and voice his opinions.

Rory McIlroy says he's determined to make his European Team voice heard this week.

Rory McIlroy says he’s determined to make his European Team voice heard this week.

“Gleneagles was the first Ryder Cup where I really felt comfortable with my position on the team and what I needed to do and whatever,” he said.

“I feel like that was the Ryder Cup where I played like the way I know I can play. Even the one at Medinah, I played okay but I was still a little tentatively and basically trying not to lose rather than going out and trying to win.

“So heading into Hazeltine I have more of a feeling that I am now accepted.  At Medinah I was aged 23 and I was No. 1 in the world but I still didn’t feel I was a veteran or someone who could raise their hand and say something in the team room.

“That was because of my age and because they were a lot of guys in there who had a lot more experience than I had, especially in that environment.

“Also at Gleneagles it felt good to me because I had a lot of dialogue with Paul McGinley so I felt really a part of a lot of the decision making and again, this time, I have had a lot of dialogue with Darren, I have been speaking to him the last few days.

“So I do feel this coming week I am ready to do step up and voice an opinion that would be seen to be more valuable than it was back in my last three Ryder Cups.”

And while it was Graeme McDowell who took McIlroy under his wing at Celtic Manor, and then McGinley who inspired him two years ago, it’s Clarke who McIlroy has always looked up to.

“Playing under Darren is going to be huge and very nostalgic in a way,” said McIlroy.

“I have known Darren since I was 10 years old and now it’s amazing I am heading to Hazeltine as a member of the European Team and he’s the captain.

“When I played my first Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor it was ‘G-Mac’ (McDowell) who was so helpful, and also Darren  who was a vice-captain while Lee (Westwood) had also qualified for the team.

“But then at that stage of my career, I was spending a lot of time with Darren and Lee because of the Chubby Chandler and ISM connection and all that stuff. So they were the people I would have hung around with.

“But now six years on, Darren’s going to be so inspirational.

“Also, I am looking forward to getting to know the rookies a little bit better. You always come out of a Ryder Cup feeling you know the people around you a lot better. And not just knowing them but their significant others – it is a nice bonding experience as well.

“I haven’t spent much time with Chris Wood or Matt Fitzpatrick or Rafa Cabrera-Bello or Thomas Pieters. I know them but I don’t really know them so that will be nice to just spend some time with them and get to know them.”

But then having been a member on three straight winning European sides McIlroy is now mature enough to realise that defeat could be as close as a few days away.

Two years ago, McIlroy stripped down to the waist wearing just crimson-coloured locks and a Scottish kilt ahead of waltzing triumphantly into the USA team room.

“It’s always better winning away from home as there’s more satisfaction winning in the States,” said McIlroy.

“Of course, it is great to win at home where it is like you are playing with a 13th man but in the States it is tough.

“Hopefully it goes our way because if it doesn’t I don’t know what it would be like because I haven’t experienced losing a Ryder Cup.

“One thing is for sure, it would be pretty tough and I don’t know what it would feel like going into the American team room and having to socialise with them.



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