Justin Rose has revealed the significant impact Rory McIlroy has as a teammate behind the scenes ahead of the Ryder Cup. The two golfers are currently competing in The Open Championship, with McIlroy holding the T12 position on the leaderboard midway through the tournament.
Having previously faced off in a playoff at the Masters in April, where McIlroy emerged victorious to secure the Green Jacket and complete a remarkable career Grand Slam, McIlroy and Rose have teamed up as Ryder Cup partners four times.
The upcoming tournament at the Bethpage Black Course in September looms, with Rose potentially relying on a captain’s pick to secure his spot. However, he praised McIlroy’s invaluable contributions off the course.
Looking beyond The Open, Rose mentioned the upcoming FedExCup Playoffs and the Ryder Cup as the next major events on the schedule. He highlighted McIlroy’s dedication and positive influence within the team, noting that despite his stature in the game, McIlroy is a supportive and valuable team player.
Reflecting on his performance at The Open, where he is tied for 17th after the second day, Rose acknowledged a slight dip in form following the Masters but expressed optimism about regaining momentum. McIlroy, who has had a successful year with wins at various tournaments, secured his place on Team Europe for the Ryder Cup in June, marking his eighth consecutive appearance.
McIlroy expressed his excitement about representing Europe in the Ryder Cup and praised the team’s previous success under captain Luke Donald. He emphasized the challenge of winning away from home and his eagerness to compete in New York in September.
Despite facing setbacks after his Masters win, McIlroy made a strong comeback with a T2 finish at the Scottish Open. Rose, known for his gracious response to his Masters defeat, also showed resilience with a recent top-10 finish. He acknowledged the significance of McIlroy’s achievement and expressed happiness for his fellow golfer’s success.
The camaraderie and mutual respect between Rose and McIlroy underscore their shared passion for the game and their determination to excel on the course.
