McIlroy and Lowry left out as Harrington plans to 'chip away' at USA lead in Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy had played 26 straight matches since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010,

Rory McIlroy was left out of a Ryder Cup session for the first time in his career on Saturday (Anthony Behar/PA)

Rory McIlroy had to watch from the sidelines for the first time in his Ryder Cup career as Europe attempted to overturn a daunting four-point deficit at Whistling Straits.

McIlroy had played 26 straight matches since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010, but lost twice on the opening day – alongside Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry – without even reaching the 16th hole.