Ryder Cup LIVE: USA and Europe fourballs set to kick off 3-day event | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy has to avoid wading into another Ryder Cup controversy, according to Paul McGinley. In Rome 2023, McIlroy found himself at odds with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava. 

The Northern Irishman argued with the bagman in a car park over what he considered to be poor behaviour. As McGinley believes the pressure is on Team USA, he thinks McIlroy will do anything to avoid similar drama. 

The former Ryder Cup captain said: “Europe doesn’t really have that much to lose. They are the away team.

“If they lose, it’s not going to change the stature of the Ryder Cup or their stature as a team. To me, Rory will be a lightning rod for the fans. I don’t think he’ll rise to the bait.

“I think he’s going to stay above the fray because he doesn’t want another occurrence like Rome, and I think that’ll be better for his concentration and just for his experience.

“And then when this is all over, he can savour this great year and really look at it in the long view.”