The Northern Irishman and his European teammates are bracing for a hostile reception at Bethpage Black from September 26–28, as the Americans aim to reclaim the trophy two years after their defeat in Rome.
McIlroy drew inspiration from Djokovic’s approach at the U.S. Open, where the world No. 1 absorbed the energy of a raucous crowd during his quarterfinal clash with home favorite Taylor Fritz – even responding with playful gestures like blowing kisses to his detractors.
It wasn’t the first time McIlroy has looked to Djokovic for lessons on staying composed: the Serbian star also delivered a motivational talk to Europe’s golfers at the 2023 Ryder Cup, urging them to embrace pressure and turn adversity into fuel.
“He’s been the best at handling that,” McIlroy said ahead of the start of this week’s Irish Open. “He’s had to deal with it his whole life, whether it’s playing against an American in New York or playing against Roger (Federer) or Rafa (Nadal).
“He came and spoke to us a little bit about that stuff last time in Rome. So maybe taking a leaf out of his book and channeling that energy the right way. But again, all we can do is control our reaction and our emotions to it. I think the less we play into it, the better it is for us.”
The experience gained in Rome could prove invaluable at Bethpage for a European team that, as of Monday’s final selection, shows just one change from two years ago. Rasmus Hojgaard has qualified automatically, making him the lone rookie in a 12-man squad otherwise stacked with seasoned campaigners.
Rory McIlroy, set for his eighth Ryder Cup, pointed to Robert MacIntyre’s progression – from debutant in Rome to established PGA Tour contender – as evidence of the squad’s growth.
“Pretty much every player on the team is more accomplished than they were two years ago,” McIlroy said, adding that Europe has a “wonderful opportunity” to finally end its decade-long wait for an away victory, last achieved in 2012.
“They have a very strong team,” McIlroy said of the Americans. “They’re going to have a pretty raucous crowd on their side and on a golf course that a lot of them know pretty well from previous tournaments there.
“So make no mistake, we know we’re up against it and we know we’ve got a tall task on our hands, but I love the team that Luke has assembled.”
