Rory McIlroy has fired up the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team with a passionate video message ahead of their clash with the United States at Pebble Beach.
The Northern Irishman urged the team to "please beat them" in Friday night's motivational video, before adding a bold prediction about the upcoming Ryder Cup.
"Please beat them because I know we're going to beat them at Bethpage," McIlroy declared, referring to the Ryder Cup scheduled for later this month.
The four-time major winner's message was aimed at inspiring the GB&I squad as they attempt to become only the third team from these shores to win on American soil.
Rory McIlroy had a touching message for the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team
|REUTERS
McIlroy knows firsthand the challenge of facing the Americans in team competition.
He represented GB&I in the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down in his homeland, where his team fell just short of victory.
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"As someone who played a Walker Cup and wasn't able to quite get it done, and then to go on to play Ryder Cups and be able to beat the Yanks in their own backyard, nothing feels better," McIlroy said in his video.
The 36-year-old was part of Europe's remarkable comeback at the 2012 Ryder Cup, when they overturned a 10-6 deficit in what became known as "the Miracle at Medinah."
Rory McIlroy's word appeared to inspire the Walker Cup team
|REUTERS
McIlroy's words appeared to have an immediate effect when play began on Saturday morning.
The GB&I team stormed to a 3-1 advantage in the foursomes session, suggesting his motivational message had hit home.
However, the Americans showed their resilience as the day progressed. By the end of Saturday's play, the US had fought back to establish a 6½-5½ lead.
The video message, first reported by Golf Channel's Brentley Romine, was sent to the 10-man GB&I squad in their quest for a rare away victory.
McIlroy's prediction about beating the Americans at Bethpage is likely to reach US Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley.
Away from the Walker Cup drama, McIlroy created a magical moment at the Irish Open that left one young fan in tears of joy.
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Rory McIlroy made one fan's day by giving her his golf ball
|After finishing his third round at The K Club with a bogey-free 68, the Northern Irishman was heading to meet the media when he heard a little girl calling his name from the crowd.
Despite needing to attend his press conference, McIlroy tossed the youngster his golf ball from that day's round.
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The gesture overwhelmed the young fan, who burst into tears and hugged her parents.
The touching scene drew collective "aws" from nearby spectators and TV commentators as the girl, wearing a blue hoodie, clutched her precious souvenir.