Rory McIlroy: Winning Irish Open would be lovely but not necessary going into the Ryder Cup
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.
The Palmer North course has seen many memorable moments over the years on what this week looks set to be its lush green turf, from the emotion of the 2006 Ryder Cup to McIlroy’s own magnificent shot-making over the final three holes to stave off the challenge of Russell Knox and land the 2016 Irish Open title.
Some more excellence would be appreciated this week from this year’s Masters Champion and career grand slam winner, but it is clear McIlroy will tee off on Thursday in search of a victory that will represent the return of the tournament sharpness he felt was lacking on the PGA Tour last month ahead of the challenge awaiting Europe at Bethpage Black from September 26-29.
Victory at The K Club would be his first DP World Tour title since last November’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, a win that laid the foundations for a stellar 2025.
Wins at AT&T Pebble Beach Open and The Players Championship were significant enough but finally burying his Augusta National ghosts and pulling on the Green Jacket as Masters champion last April secured the Irishman’s place as one of golf’s all-time greats, having joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.
So while his national Open is clearly a title to be treasured, his pursuit of a second Ryder Cup victory on American soil, following on from Europe’s Miracle at Medinah in 2012 appears to be the all-consuming passion of the 36-year-old.
*I would love to add another W to the win column this year, but it's not a necessity,” McIlroy said.
“I'd love to get myself into contention and at least be a little bit sharper than I was at the BMW and at the Tour Championship (during the PGA Tour’s Fedex Cup play-offs last month). I figured out something with my ball striking at least in Atlanta.
“I felt like I hit the ball terribly at the BMW but I putted well, but then at Atlanta I hit the ball better but I putted terribly, so I just need to try to piece everything together.
“These are two big weeks to make sure the game is sharp and I think the only way to tell if you are as sharp as you want to be is getting yourself in contention, under pressure and the business end of things on a Sunday.
“I think it's important to do that. It's important to give myself a couple of chances to win, but ultimately winning, that would be lovely, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary going into the Ryder Cup. But it would be great to at least feel really good about my game looking ahead to that.”
With The K Club stirring so many good memories for McIlroy, including the European Tour’s shot of the year at the 16th in 2016 and the eagle that followed on the 72nd hole, the Holywood golfer understandably feels comfortable here in Kildare.
“For me it suits my style of game,” he said.
“I feel like my game pretty much travels everywhere, I’ve done well on links courses as well. From a logistical standpoint, from an operational standpoint, pretty much everyone that needs to be onsite can be onsite at the hotel. The proximity to Dublin is quite nice.
“I think for the sponsor Amgen to have a location like this where they can bring in the people that they need to bring in. It works well for the sponsor too, so The K Club has got a lot going for it.
“I think some people would argue that they'd like to see the Irish Open played on a links course every year, but I think alternating between a parkland and The K Club and then maybe a links course each year I think gives it a nice balance.”
