Disheartening: Rory McIlroy in tears (!) as he makes special bombshell announcement, full details below
Rory McIlroy was reduced to tears in heartbreaking scenes as Team Europe suffered a record thrashing in the Ryder Cup on Sunday.
Trailing 11-5 heading into the 12 singles matches on Sunday, Padraig Harrington’s European team needed a comeback greater than 2012’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’ to retain the trophy, with the hosts requiring just three and a half points for victory.
McIlroy belatedly found some form to beat Xander Schauffele 3-and-2 in the opening match, but the previously unbeaten Jon Rahm lost to Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay defeated Shane Lowry to take the home side to the brink of victory.
Bryson DeChambeau, who eagled the first hole after driving the green, ended Sergio Garcia’s unbeaten record with a 3-and-2 victory to make it 14-6 and it fell to Collin Morikawa to effectively secure victory with eight matches still on the course.
The Open champion’s birdie on the 17th guaranteed him half a point against Viktor Hovland and the home celebrations could begin.
McIlroy had been benched for the first time in his Ryder Cup career after two defeats on the opening day and lost again on Saturday afternoon, but birdied the first hole against Olympic champion Schauffele and was never headed.
Asked to describe the challenge of playing in front of the partisan crowd, McIlroy struggled to compose himself before saying: “I love being a part of this team.
“I love my teammates so much. I should have done more for them this week.
“I’m glad I put a point on the board for them but I just can’t wait to get another shot at this.”
Shane Lowry, pictured here hugging Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup.
Shane Lowry hugs Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
The Irishman, who famously described the Ryder Cup as an “exhibition” before making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010, added: “I’ve never cried about what I’ve done as an individual, I couldn’t give a s***.
“It’s been a tough week but the more and more I play in this event I realise it’s the best event in golf bar none.
“No matter what happens after this I am proud of every single one of the players that played this week, I am proud of our captain and vice-captains.”
Viewers were left gutted over McIlroy’s sad TV breakdown.
Rory Mcilroy has taken a lot of stick this week, but my God there’s not a single person that just watched that interview that didn’t feel the same pain as him.
