A peculiar merchandise mishap has emerged ahead of this month's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, with Team USA's official T-shirt featuring what appears to be the outline of a European player.
The controversial garment displays a golfer's silhouette that bears a remarkable likeness to Rory McIlroy's distinctive finishing position, according to European Tour players who are "convinced" the image depicts the Northern Irishman.
McIlroy has now acknowledged the resemblance when questioned about the design, telling Sky Sports: "It looks more like Adam Scott than me but yeah, it looks a little similar, I don't know."
The five-time major champion will represent Europe at the tournament, making his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance.
Rory McIlroy admitted the image 'looked similar'
|SKY SPORTS
The contentious shirt, manufactured by Ralph Lauren and retailing at $65 (£48), can be purchased through the official USA Ryder Cup online store.
Listed as featuring a "bold golfer graphic", the navy blue garment displays the words "USA Ryder Cup 2025" alongside the disputed silhouette.
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US Ryder Cup fans have been left fuming with an apparent European golfer on the front of their merchandise
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The Telegraph initially reported the potential error, noting the figure's uncanny similarity to McIlroy's characteristic high-finish follow-through with a driver.
The design sparked fierce reactions from American supporters on social media, with one frustrated fan posting: "We're already down 1-0 to Europe, great."
Another demanded action, writing: "The PGA and Ryder Cup needs new leadership... simply lazy and unacceptable!!!"
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Several supporters called for drastic measures, with one declaring: "We need to eject Ralph Lauren from golf so bad. Hit the eject button immediately."
Others expressed disbelief at the apparent oversight, commenting: "Surely they weren't this f***ing stupid. Euros are going to have a field day with this."
Some observers suggested the silhouette might depict Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler or Adam Scott instead.
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The silhouette is said to resemble Rory McIlroy's notoriously high-finish sollow-through
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When approached about American supporters potentially sporting his image on their clothing, McIlroy displayed remained diplomatic.
"That's OK. That's fine. I won't mind that," he told Sky Sports regarding the prospect of USA fans wearing shirts bearing his resemblance.
The 36-year-old golfer, who has been part of victorious European teams in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023, will compete against the Americans at the New York venue later this month.
A Tour insider suggested to Telegraph Sport that the design choice might have been deliberate, stating: "Rory even inspires the American team."
The source speculated that "The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it."