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McIlroy: Ryder Cup not a priority
It's an exhibition at the end of the day. In the big scheme of things it's not that important an event for me.
Rory McIlroy
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Rory McIlroy has claimed that competing in the Ryder Cup is "not a huge goal" for him and he will not be disappointed if he fails to make Colin Montgomerie's 2010 squad.
The 20-year-old's comments come on the eve of The 3 Irish Open where he and Europe captain Montgomerie are playing partners.
McIlroy, who is a strong contender to win his first cap at Celtic Manor next year, said: "It's not a huge goal of mine.
"It's an exhibition at the end of the day. In the big scheme of things it's not that important an event for me.
"If I play well enough I play well enough. And if I don't, then so be it."
Montgomerie, on the other hand, underlined his determination to win back the Ryder Cup and stated that taking the trophy away from the Americans would be the greatest achievement of his career.
Young talent
"It's not an exhibition and it never will be," he commented. "It's a very unique, special event and much more nerve-wracking than a major.
"When you play in it you want to be there again and again."
Montgomerie played down any conlfict between himself and McIlroy and described the Northern Irishman as "one of Europe's best young talents for many a year".
The Scotsman said: "Please don't say that Monty and Rory are having a war here. I haven't said that.
"I haven't heard what Rory said, so please don't start a big war. Rory will understand when - and it's not an 'if' - he is a Ryder Cup player. He'll understand the pressures involved and the whole scenario of the Ryder Cup will hit him very hard.
"If he's qualified or necessitates a pick I would definitely speak to every player as to what to expect."
Despite his views at this stage McIlroy still expects to "relish every moment of it" should he play and adds: "Obviously I'll try my best for the team - but I'm not going to go running around fist-pumping."
Comments (3)
Rich Bradfield says...
I suppose McIlroy just wants to get his career on the ground and get a few tour wins under his belt before he starts thinking about a Ryder Cup place. Its probably the correct decision for him at the moment because he is still quite a new player on the professional tour and doesn't want to get carried away in all the hype and glamour associated with the Ryder Cup. At least himself and monty will have something to talk about at the Irish open!
Posted 22:41 13th May 2009
Oliver Chettle says...
Rory has let a lot of people down with these comments, but he is young and he'll know better when he is older.
Posted 22:39 13th May 2009
Patrick O'donoghue says...
I think rory has the right attitude with this matter, the Ryder Cup is a great event but for a young man like Rory he has goals like getting a Major under his belt, move up the World Rankings, win more events and playing against the US in the Ryder Cup would be a great event it would give him a Winning Feeling again if Europe wins but a lose would put him back again. Thats what I think but I hopes this guy gets a Win at the Irish Open, Golf is not an old man's game, Rory time to bring it to the next level and put the old guns to shame.... Best of Luck
Posted 17:48 13th May 2009