Rory McIlroy: Winning Irish Open would be lovely but not necessary going into the Ryder Cup

While his national Open is clearly a title to be treasured, his pursuit of a second Ryder Cup victory on American soil appears to be the all-consuming passion of the 36-year-old.

FAN FAVOURITE: Rory McIlroy signs autographs for fans. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

Lovely but not entirely necessary.

Winning the Amgen Irish Open this week at the scene of his maiden triumph nine years ago would be welcome for Rory McIlroy, if only as an indication his game was trending in the right direction for Europe’s Ryder Cup defence bid in New York later this month.