Rory McIlroy Has Already Begun His Mind-games with Team USA Ahead of Ryder Cup

Scheduled to take place from September 24, the hype around the Ryder Cup this year is all too real. A few days ago, Team Europe won the Solheim Cup in Ohio. Meanwhile, fans and other players are ready for the Ryder Cup – unable to wait for the final showdown at Whistling Straits. The tournament is all about the best players from the USA and Europe facing each other for three days, but Rory McIlroy has already begun playing games!

Rory McIlroy, who has secured his spot on Team Europe, seems to be looking for a headstart of his own.

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Rory McIlroy gatecrashed Steve Stricker’s Team USA dinner

Team USA captain Steve Stricker had dinner with his Ryder Cup team. As per reports, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Cantlay were invited. Of course, Stricker discussed the whole tournament and more with the team, relaying any information important about upcoming matches.

However, the four-time major winner was the unexpected guest who chose to gatecrash their get-together. “I called in. I was eating in the same vicinity, so I called in and said hello,” Rory McIlroy said, smiling. He was having dinner at the same restaurant where the players were staying and just dropped by for a visit during their dinner.

The 32-year-old has played the Ryder Cup five times and is definitely someone with invaluable experience. In 2018, he helped their side earn two points while competing at the Le Golf National in France. The Europeans also lost their last attempt in the USA (2016) and will look to bank on the success the women had while at the Solheim Cup.

Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger, Tony Finau, Scottie Scheffler, and Harris English are Stricker’s captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup. This year, Team USA will also have Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, and Davis Love III as the vice-captains.

Let’s take a look at the rosters.

Team USA roster

• Collin Morikawa
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Brooks Koepka
• Justin Thomas
• Patrick Cantlay
• Xander Schauffele
• Jordan Spieth
• Daniel Berger
• Tony Finau
• Scottie Scheffler
• Harris English

Team Europe roster – first five qualifiers

• Jon Rahm
• Paul Casey
• Rory McIlroy
• Victor Hovland
• Tommy Fleetwood

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