Rory McIlroy has risked ruffling feathers in the Britain by declaring that the United States is “the best country in the world” on the eve of the Ryder Cup in New York.
The five-time major champion, who recently moved back to the UK with wife Erica and their five-year-old daughter Poppy, made the remark as he prepared to lead Team Europe into battle at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy and Erica have reportedly settled into a new home in Wentworth, Surrey, after construction on the property was completed earlier this year.
The Northern Irishman confirmed in July that the family had returned to the UK on a permanent basis, with Erica – who grew up in New York State – said to prefer Britain’s cooler climate after years in Florida.
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But speaking to reporters in New York, McIlroy was effusive in his praise for the country where he spent most of his professional career.
“Everyone wanted to make it in America. It’s the land of opportunity,” said McIlroy.
“And I still believe it’s the best country in the world. If you come here and work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want.
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Rory McIlroy has risked ruffling feathers in the Britain by declaring that the United States is “the best country in the world” on the eve of the Ryder Cup in New York
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“I am unbelievably grateful and lucky that I got to come to America early on. I think success is celebrated here.
“There’s a wonderful sense of work ethic. My wife is American. My daughter is American. I have a lot of affinity towards this country, and I think everyone that lives here should have that same affinity because it is… it’s a wonderful place.”
The comments come just months after McIlroy admitted that returning to Britain had been good for him personally.
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Rory McIlroy will represent Team Europe at the Ryder Cup
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Speaking ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open, he revealed that time spent away from the tour had helped him “rekindle [his] excitement and enthusiasm” for golf.
“It’s amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you,” he said at the time.
“It’s been nice to have this time to reflect.”
McIlroy and Erica put on a united front as they arrived hand-in-hand at the Ryder Cup Welcome Dinner at Hempstead House, Sands Point, earlier this week.
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| GETTYThe pair looked relaxed and stylish, McIlroy in a classic black suit and Erica in a sleek evening dress, as they joined players and partners from both teams for the formal event.]
The couple’s marriage endured a turbulent 2024, with McIlroy filing divorce papers before later withdrawing them, describing the moment as a “wake-up call”.
He later dismissed speculation by saying: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate.
“Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game. Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together.
“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
McIlroy will hope to channel that sense of renewal into Europe’s performance this week, as Luke Donald’s side aim to defend the Ryder Cup on American soil for the first time since Medinah in 2012.