Reading on Yahoo Sports that Rory has no interest in playing the Ryder Cup. What do you think, good or bad move on his part?

Here is the link: Rory comments on Ryder Cup

Not good

I did not like how quick he is to mention in interviews O'Meara saying he is better at that age than Woods as that should be kept a private comment and various other things I have heard such as this and being so picky with invites when he has yet to really prove himself do not endear him to me any further. Get a proper haircut, find yourself an old hand as a mentor and lose the attitude

Seems like a nice kid, obviously has great potential.

The look he gave his caddie when his ball plunked into the water at the Players on 17 was priceless.

He could be great but for now he is just another wonderkid with alot of potential. Alot have come and gone without
living up to the billing. I hope he can meet the expectations.

haha that look was priceless that his caddy got!

prove himself ?. He have just turned 20 and is currently 19th in the world, have allready won a big event on the European tour in Dubai Desert Classic and 4 other Top5`s, not to forget he was close to getting in the WGC accenture final grouping.The comments from O'Meara is well known and when you are 19 years old you like to brag(atleast i would have taken such comments to my heart in a big way)

I think he has proved himself good enough not to need a haircut and get a proper job.

Atleast he admits to being cocky when he was younger. Thats more than most of the other "wonderboys" have said. When I saw him say that in an interview, my respect for him went through the roof. Kids say, "I"m confident yada, yada, yada.." They are cocky and their head won't fit through the door sometimes. Those are the same guys who turn into nothings. Knowing your faults is half the battle in my opinion.
He is confident and I don't think the Ryder Cup comments will help him, but this kid seems for real and genuinely nice guy.
I like his attitude on th course, he doesn't complain like Sergio, fall off the earth like Wie, etc. He seems like a good kid, he'll mature, and I think Europe's got a good player on their hands.

I wish him the best ...

Bad Move - well that's one way to alienate at least half of Europe.

I think that comes from his immaturity and being too young to understand the gravity and importance of that event. I'm thinking he might change that thought over time once he starts to figure "it" out.

He's young and he's going to make mistakes - this is certainly one of them. I hope he learns from it. I'm not a fan of the young phenom of the moment who thinks they are bigger than the game.

PUNK

signed
Hunter Mahan

Sergio lives and dies around one 3 day event every two years, probably the reason he can't focus on majors and seems to hate the Masters. If Rory was smart he wouuld keep his mouth shut or say something like "I can't wait to compete in a Ryder Cup and be a part of a team, but my main focus is winning events and majors right now. " Which is probably what his thinking but it didnt come out that way. Rory will probably qualify for the next 10 Ryder Cups so I don't think it is a big worry for him.....but when he steps on the first tee of his first one, I am sure he will be shaking in his shoes like everone else. I can't blame the guy for being honest, but there comes a time for tact as well.

The kids got tons of talent, let's hope his head, and the money doesnt get in the way of the talent. Seems like the type of special player that could win 5-10 majors, maybe be Tiger's "Tom Watson"

Do you think Tiger really likes the Ryder Cup, look at his record, he would rather go home and be with his family that time of the year, his game is never in top form. Difference is Tiger knows when to keep his mouth shut, I think O'Meara did a great job mentoring him early in his career, along with Earl.

And thrown away several events like the Swiss open which showed he has a lot to learn. Takes a lot more to prove yourself than he has done yet and he may have the talent but he can learn a lot from Murray in tennis who has turned talent into results by toning it down and focussing on the job in hand.

As a fellow European, his attitude towards the Ryder Cup stinks, that is the event that brought the riches into European golf that he loves to profit from

Here is his comment, really what is the big deal?

The Ryder Cup, it's a great spectacle for golf, but an exhibition at the end of the day and it should be there to be enjoyed," McIlroy said at an Irish Open news conference. "I think if I get on it, you know, you enjoy the week, and if you win or lose, it's a great experience and you move on from it. In the big scheme of things, it's not that important of an event for me."

harmless, honest, and respectful. nothing arrogant that i see.

That is the quote? He just did not know what to say. Probably wishes is did not come out like that, especially the last line.

I'll cut him slack for sure, I can't imagine what I would have been saying to the press if I were a millionaire golfer at 20 with
no experience dealing with public life.

If he did mean it like he said it, he probably has not made to many fans very happy in Europe.

I'm still cracking up about the look he gave the caddy on 17 at the Players. He looked like he just learned there was no
St. Nicholas.

It's not that "bad" either to me. In fact, he seems to understand the original intent and spirit of the matches better than any of the blowhards that taunt opposing players as part of some misplaced "patriotism".

+1.......Excellent point of view and I agree he probably meant your version...............but I agree you career is remember for your RC record; MAJORS BABY!!!

I agree with you, that his comment does show a little immaturity, but over time I think Rory will change his mind about it, he's young and will have a lot of time to think about it as he get's older.

I too think Rory is one hella of player, probably one of the best young talent that we have seen in some time, just don't know if I would have publicly said that the Ryder Cup doesn't mean all that much to me. For the most part I think he handles himself pretty well with his interviews, time will tell if he goes the route of Sergio or not.

Sounds like what might come out of the mouths of American youth. All they want to do is play golf and make money; hell with anything that might be tied to nationalism or patriotism. It's for that reason American's have lost the cup in years past; lacking team orientation and strong nationalism. The reason folks lov Boo is because he personify's America.

What's unique about Rory saying that is euro's historically have a better team mentality and love nationalism, always taking the David roll against Goliath America. Could be Euro youth is changing, and maybe not for the best.

When he makes the team he will be delighted, just like EVERY kid growing up in Europe wants to play it. It's probably not cool to say that but get back to me if he turns them down. He is top 20 or whatever already so way beyond what we can ever dream off.
Go Rory!

thats pretty lame

I think Rory makes a good point - I think some of us on this site are outraged because we simply cannot understand where he is coming from. Before I get flamed - I love watching the Ryder Cup and think it's a fantastic event. But it IS true that the Ryder Cup is an exhibition event. At this point in his life he might be trying to focus on winning pursed events. Who knows?

Point is give the kid a break - don't hate him because you think he should revere any one golf match. There's no way to know what it's like to be able to play ANY professional golf event you desire. So none of us could possibly know what he's going through.

As long as he's just being honest what's the problem?? Last thing the world needs is yet another phoney saying what he thinks people want to hear.

So is your post, why don't you explain yourself. I was offering a point of view, which I happen to think is probably true, and all you can say is "thats pretty lame" you didn't even use proper punctuation, or from what I can tell put any serious thought into what you were saying.....must be part of the text message generation

he is simply too young to understand the significance of the Ryder Cup, not having played in one yet. he'll understand when he plays on his first Ryder Cup team. yes, the Ryder Cup is an exhibition, but so are the Olympics if you think about it.

He says that now let's see how much his hands shakes when he tries to put the peg in the ground next September

Well, he is compare to Tiger Woods and Tiger sucks in the ryder cup so maybe good for Europe? J/K hehe. I would cut him some slack. That was a very good response from him even though I am sure it will change when he first plays in one. Good kid.

God for him.

I respect anyone who answers questions with honesty.

A refreshing break from the standard string of meaningless cliches.

I don't have a problem with his comment. I'm surprised, but that is his opinion. I think it will change once he plays in the cup. He will catch fire. He is young, give him a break. He will learn. He has made a lot of mature comments for his age. This is one interview. He is doing really well for his age.

i could be mistaken but didn't Hunter Mahan say the same thing until he played in it?

mahan's complaints about the ryder cup were much more pointed.

all rory said was that in the grand scheme of his golfing universe, the rc is not that big of a deal to him. it's presumably the truth. more power to him. might his view of the event change once he plays in a few? well, that's quite possible too.....and suspect he'll be honest with us if it does.....because i'm sure he'll be asked.

he's accomplished a TON in professional golf for someone who is just a few weeks past being a teenager. he's got the professional capital and the right to express his honest opinions when somebody shoves a microphone in his face. he did so here in respectful way in my opinion. much ado about nothing if you ask me.

This is the bottom line -> Rory is a kid. Kids sometimes say things without letting their brain filter the content. His comments appear innocent and nonchalant to me, but to the golfing community, especially those who take the Ryder Cup very seriously I can see how they could be taken out of context. I think after he plays in one or two or maybe it'll take a few of them for him to grow to appreciate the nature of the event and all that it means to those who have competed with and before him. Technically he is correct. But I'd hesitate to refer to the Ryder Cup as an "exhibition."

yeah I probably should have explained myself...I wouldn't put the blame on Sergio's poor play in majors based on his lack of focus, and I wouldn't think that the Ryder Cup is the reason why he hates the Masters. To say that he struggles in majors because he focuses on the Ryder Cup too much seem crazy too me.

Did I pass this English test?

^^ sergio's struggles in majors are pretty simple. brilliant ballstriker + mediocre putter + mediocre mental game = struggles in major championships. major winners that are brilliant ballstrikers but mediocre putters are the exception, not the rule (Hogan, Nick Price, and Vijay Singh being the examples that come immediately to mind).

Well put.

I think he is just young. Even Tiger didn't have the PR filter back in the younger days; best example that comes to mind is the GQ incident.

No matter if I agree or not, it's so refreshing that finally someone speaks there mind, of course to the predictable chants of shut up and fall in line. Golf desperately needs players who have more personality and this kid has it. It saddens me beyond belief to see interview after interview where you can guess the comments of a player before they even say them.
All this being said, soon enough an agent will convince him to have the same robotic answers as everyone else so not to upset any potential sponsors.

I think Colin put it perfectly, "He’ll understand what it’s all about when he’s part of it.”

I think he has a point - no one remembers Jacks Ryder cup record or Tigers for that matter and it won't win him any exemptions I don't think. It is just not the done thing to come out and say it in public.

Also he does not really know what he is talking about yet as he has not played in one he does have Walker Cup experience but his attitude may change once he has played in a Ryder cup.

I dont think it is a bad thing, hes young enough to be around for a long long time, and play in many a ryder cup in the future when he wants to.
He has no fear at the min as you can see by how he plays the game, he want to keep climbing the world list to get as high as poss not worry about qualifying for a ryder cup.

Based on his comments you can tell wins and majors mean more to him then playing in the ryder cup. I wouldn't doubt it if a lot of other players felt the same way. Yes, it's an honor playing for and representing your country but certain people have different goals like winning as many majors as possible and hopefully being world #1.

R Mac is just saying what most good pro's all think ... except for the washed up career grinders trying to hang on to their last chance of glory ( Lehman, Leonard, DiMarco's, Monte's )

The Ryder Cup blows ... the most overrated , worthless, sporting event EVER

Just ask Tiger

Fact is, the Ryder Cup is an exibition and the people who underachieve at majors are the ones who love the Ryder Cup so much. Rory clearly wants to be a player in the Majors unlike the following Europeans (who are great in the Ryder Cup): Monty, Sergio, Westwood, The Mechanic, D. Clarke and so on. These guys love the Ryder Cup so much because they are successful at it and can rely on teamates for support, both mentally and on the golf course. They are clearly looser, shown by their sudden inability to miss putts come Ryder Cup time. Why do you think these European players and their fans think the Ryder Cup is so important (and make no mistake, the Euro fans care waayyy more than Americans)? It's because it is they are consistently better than the Americans! Of course someone like Sergio and Monty get geared up for the Ryder Cup. I'm sure they didn't think that way when their careers started. It is just convenient that after blowing so many majors, they can say the Ryder Cup is what defines your career.

Is it any surprise that the best Ryder Cuppers are not Tiger, Phil, Harrington? They thrive under the pressure of tackling a major championship course alone and understand that is where you make your name.

I think it is good for Rory that his focus and drive is clearly centered around becoming a great player and not a typical Euro Ryder Cup superstar. While this was not the most tactful move due to the obsession over this exibition, I think it demonstrates his higher than typical expectations.

Is the Ryder Cup fun? Sure. Is it intense and nerve racking? Sure. Does it make you proud to represnet your country/continent? Sure. Does your performance there define you as a great player in the history of the game? Absolutely not! It is a side note that basically says, he underachieved in Major events, but man, could he golf his ball in team competitions.

Finally, we have a perfect illustration of this in Kenny Perry. I would bet my life that deep down, he would have taken a lackluster Ryder Cup performance/USA loss to have won the Masters.

Anyway, thanks for the forum to vent. That kid is going to be great. He is very unpolished in many aspects of his game but he still is one of the best in the game. I hope and believe he will become truly great. Better than Ishikowa and Danny Lee by far IMO.

Why would you care? If Rory is playing well he will be picked or will be in the Ryder Cup team. There is no point thinking or worrying about it at this stage. At that age all you want to do is play the game and enjoy it.
By saying he has no interest doesnt mean that he will never play in the Ryder Cup team, it simply means he is not worrying about playing in the team. IMO its a good move and he will definitely be playing in the team in the not so distant future.

Hunter Mahan II (Electric Boogaloo).

it isnt that big of an event for me either, so I agree with him.

I think Rory is right. In the big scheme of things as a player, the Ryder cup is not that significant and especially as he's just starting his career, he wants to concentrate on that. He shouldn't belittle the Ryder cup though.

As a fan of the Ryder cup, it's the best event of the year and i'm watching more of that than any other. The tension is just great but the behaviour in the last few needs to be addressed.

Most guys at some point in their career get on camera saying the wrong thing. Fuzzy Z anybody? I would venture to guess that if he is selected for the team he will realize what a privilege it is to play in that event.

I don't see what the big deal is with what he said. The Ryder Cup is nowhere near as important as a major.

Can you remember who won the Ryder cup in 1986? How about 1962? Do you even KNOW if a Ryder cup match was played in those year?

We remember majors decades after they are won. With a couple of exceptions, we remember Ryder Cup outcomes until the next one is played, and even then we don't remember the details of individual matches (except for Justin Leonard's putt). Many of us could remember what Jack did on the Back 9 at Augusta in 86, or Tiger's smashing of the field at Pebble in 2000, or Mize's chip in over Norman.

The Ryder Cup isn't anywhere near those moments in golf history.

I don't know why any of the Americans here would be complaining. Good for us right now. Once he gets there, I think it will be a different story.

Agreed.

who said it was? for that matter, the Ryder Cup and major championships are apples and oranges. major championships are won by individuals for themselves and their own glory. the Ryder Cup is a team event, where the teams are representing either their country (US) or their continent and culture (Europe, i.e. The Old World), and they compete not for themselves but for whom they represent, and to foster international goodwill. Hunter Mahan made even more pointed remarks about the Ryder Cup, but his perspective changed quite a bit after he played in one. never underestimate the pride that people have for where they come from--what else drove Kenny Perry to skip majors so he could give himself the best chance to make the Ryder Cup team?



we remember *some* majors decades after they are won . . . others are quite unremarkable. just like some Ryder Cups. how about the 1969 Ryder Cup where Nicklaus conceded a not-exactly-a-gimme putt to Tony Jacklin which resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history? that isn't a big moment in golf history?

of course, the majors have produced more memorable moments . . . there's 4 of them, and they're played every year. there have been plenty of unremarkable majors. was there anything particularly memorable about Trevor Immelman's or Zach Johnson's Masters win? who won the Masters in 1969? who won the 1987 US Open? anything really memorable about Michael Campbell's US Open win in 2005? who won the 1981 British Open? anything really memorable about Leonard's or Lehman's Open wins? who won the 1967 PGA? anything exciting about Sluman's 1988 PGA win?

It was a poor choice of words, in my opinion.

The Ryder Cup means alot to his fellow European players. Sergio, for example.

For a 20 year old to come out and say what he did sounds like...okay you must think quite a bit of yourself if being on
the Ryder Cup is not such a big deal since most young European golfers would give anything to be on that team. Same goes
for young American golfers who would love to be on the American team.

I think he should clarify if he really feels that way. I just don't think that he meant that he would not be
absolutely thrilled to have an opportunity to be on the team.