If there is any golfer who has been more in the headlines than the World No.1, it is definitely Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman, earlier with his move of skipping the St. Jude Championship, made the headlines, but now, as we are stepping closer to the Ryder Cup, his quotes hint towards the something new.
McIlroy is part of the second playoff event, i.e, the BMW Championship. During the pre-tournament press conference, he was asked about leading the European team at the Ryder Cup. However, for that, he said, “I’ve shot it down straight away.” Surprising, but that’s the reality. Further, when asked why. He said, “Because I don’t think you can do it.”
Well, for a golfer, being a playing captain isn’t the right choice to make. But he still has his mind straight as a captain. Later, the moderator asked, “If you were a captain at some point, what would you look for in a pick? What would stand out to you?” The World No. 2 laid out his plans.
He shared, “Meshing. You have to be able to blend in with the rest of the team well. Maybe you already have a partner in mind that you could play with for foursomes, and then maybe for the better ball also.” Currently, with the great magnitude of the event, it is a lot of pressure for the captain to create a team. The top six players from the Ryder Cup standings get straight entry into the team, while for the remaining six, it is the call of the captain and vice-captain.
Woah….
Rory admitted today he was approached by @RyderCupEurope about being a playing captain (likely in Ireland in 2027)
He said no.
“Because I don’t think you can do it…” pic.twitter.com/bTL0d6QbUl
— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) August 13, 2025
But for McIlroy, being the one with adaptability and flexibility is the key. Continuing further, he mentioned, “I think that adaptability and that flexibility, having someone that can go five if they’re playing really well, if they’re playing well that week. That something, that someone that the rest of the guys are really comfortable with. You don’t want to have a fox in the henhouse.” For him, the responsibilities off the course would be an extra challenge. He has been part of the Ryder Cup team since 2010 and has helped the team to five victories. But stepping into another additional role is not his preference.
Even though his plan hints at a non-playing captain. However, it still has some time to get addressed. On the other hand, the golfer, after turning down the offer, is interested in the American team captain’s choice.
Rory McIlroy’s interest in knowing the American team captain
While the Northern Irishman has turned down his offer, the opponent is intrigued to know. Earlier, Keegan Bradley shared he would choose himself, only if “I feel like I’m going to help the team.” Currently, the American professional is placed 10th in the standings. Interestingly, he is not going to qualify automatically. Even if he drops the captaincy, among the top six names, one will get the opportunity to lead.
However, for McIlroy, “I definitely think he’s one of the best 12 American players right now.” Bradley, with his performance this year, won the Travelers Championship. He even recorded four top-10 finishes. Along with the entire golf community, the Irishman has also shared his interest. He said, “That’s why everyone is so interested, and it’s such a compelling case. I’m just as interested as everyone else to see how it all plays out.” If Bradley chooses to be the playing captain, he will be the first since 1963.
The last time a playing captain led the American Ryder Cup team was Arnold Palmer in 1963. Now, it will be interesting to see who will lead the team. After ditching the decision of playing captain, McIlroy is taking an interest in Bradley’s decision. What do you think will be the decision of the American team? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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