The BMW Championship concluded on Sunday. And players will now move to the last leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the Tour Championship in Atlanta. But Norwegian Viktor Hovland and Irishman Rory McIlroy are thinking ahead of Atlanta and planning for Rome.

Hovland won the championship with a course record of 61 on Sunday. His victory was dramatic as he bagged the title along with $3.6 million. And following that, Rory McIlroy flaunted his Ryder Cup teammate. Interestingly, they were tied at the fifth position on Saturday before Hovland broke ranks and grabbed the win.

Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy send out a stern message

McIlroy played alongside Viktor in Olympia Fields. He knows what Hovland brings to the field and would not mind having him backing him up in Rome during the Ryder Cup in September. The two golfers will be part of the European team.

The former Oklahoma State cowboy shot a course record and made ten birdies, including seven on the back nine. In an Instagram reel shared by the PGA tour, the two players walk alongside each other, and fans applaud them not a little.

Viktor looks happier than ever after winning the BMW Championship. He tips his hat off and says “Rome’s gonna be fun” as the Rory McIlroy joins him. The caption aptly reads, “Team Europe is taking shape.”

The Americans have not won the event away from home since 1993. In this light, the Europeans must fancy their chances. It would be interesting to see how, come September, McIlroy and Hovland fare at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.

McIlroy speaks of Hovland in glowing terms

In the post-match after Sunday’s conclusion, Rory was asked several questions about his game. While he was happy with where he is in his game, the Northern Irishman is also looking forward to avoiding missing any chances at Atlanta.

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He also delivered his two cents on Hovland. McIlroy believes Viktor is not scared, keeps his foot on the pedal. “Just keeps going forward, keeps going at it.” The Irish golfer was most impressed by Hovland’s birdie at hole 17.

McIlroy also said, “He’s a world-class player, and looking forward to him being on my team for the Ryder Cup in a few weeks’ time.” Are you excited to witness the two players together? Let us know in the comments below.

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