Rory McIlroy sets new career goal after helping Europe beat America to win Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy played a key role as Team Europe beat Team America to win the Ryder Cup
PA
Rory McIlroy has admitted he'd love to win the Ryder Cup on American soil following Team Europe's triumph on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman won 3 and 1 against Sam Burns to help his side achieve victory in Rome.
It was a magical moment for McIlroy, who has struggled at Whistling Straits just two years previously.
Now the Brit is operating at the peak of his powers once again, he's eager for more success.
EUROPE IS ON FIRE 🏆🇪🇺#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/eiASuCaQ78
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
And McIlroy has now admitted he's set his sights on winning the Ryder Cup in America when the next competition takes place at Bethpage Black in 2025.
"I've said this for the last probably six or seven years to anyone that will listen: I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup," he said.
"And that's what we're going to do at Bethpage."
McIlroy also admitted he used the hurt and pain of two years ago to his advantage as Team Europe won the prestigious prize.
"I am so proud to be part of this team," added the 34-year-old.
"Incredible day, incredible week with all these guys.
"We were hurting after Whistling Straits and the players on that team wanted to redeem ourselves and prove to the world that is not who we are.
"We delivered a great performance."
Another motivator for McIlroy was the prospect of getting revenge on America following a row with caddie Joe LaCava.
The Northern Irishman felt LaCava was using distraction tactics as he prepared to take a shot on the green.
McIlroy's temper boiled over and his rage continued in the car park after Saturday's play.
Talks were held in the Team Europe camp after the incident and the veteran believes he was 'disrespected' by LaCava.
"We talked about it as a team last night," he continued.
"We felt like it was disrespectful, and it wasn't just disrespectful to Fitz [Matt Fitzpatrick] and I.
"It was disrespectful to the whole team.
"I get that we get the banter when we go over to the States and play, and you know, the same happens here.
"It's just the way it is. It's the way the Ryder Cup goes. You have to have thick skin."
And McIlroy also revealed why he directed his anger towards Jim 'Bones' Mackay in the car park on Saturday.
"He [Bones] was the first American I saw after I got out of the locker room so he was the one that took the brunt of it," he added.
"He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I text Bones this morning and apologised for that.
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Rory McIlroy put his argument with Joe LaCava aside as Team Europe won the Ryder Cup
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"I was hot coming out of that. I was pretty angry.
"I didn't agree with what happened on 18, but I think I let it fuel the fire and it focused me and I was able to go out there and get my point.
"It was directed at Joe [LaCava] but said at Bones.
"But Joe wasn't there. We [McIlroy and LaCava] haven't seen each other face-to-face, but we've text, and everything will be fine.
"But it's a point of contention and it still hurts, but time is a great healer and we'll all move on."
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