A Team USA Ryder Cup t-shirt has gone on sale that appears to feature a silhouette of Rory McIlroy, and the Northern Irishman has been asked for his thoughts on the matter
Rory McIlroy doesn’t mind US fans poking fun at him during this year’s Ryder Cup(Image: Naomi Baker, Getty Images)
An insider from the PGA Tour told The Telegraph (via The Mirror US): “Rory even inspires the American team. The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it.”
The 2025 Ryder Cup will hardly be McIlroy’s first time in the competition. He’s competed seven times before, securing victories in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023.
Despite entering the 2025 tournament as the reigning champions and being highly favoured by some pundits, McIlroy confessed he believes the Europeans are the underdogs. And it’s an understandable view given 13 years have passed since he was part of the last visiting team to triumph on US soil.
🚨⛳️🐅 #LOOK — Team USA is selling a Ryder Cup shirt ($65) featuring what appears to be a silhouette of Rory McIlroy 👀
(Via: @IainMacBets) pic.twitter.com/NRqpKspEUF
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 9, 2025
“It’s a really tall task, but not an insurmountable one,” he recently told reporters. “I think there is an opportunity there, but we have to get the planning right
“We have to make sure we’re all ready for what lies ahead, but I think [captain] Luke Donald’s got everything under control, and I’m sure he’s thought of every single scenario, so I think we’re good in that department.”
McIlroy has enjoyed a brilliant year. He secured three PGA Tour victories: the Pebble Beach Pro Am, the Players Championship, and The Masters, a triumph that enabled him to complete his career Grand Slam.
McIlroy believes Europe are underdogs heading to the States this month(Image: Getty Images)
At the weekend, the Northern Irishman captured the Amgren Irish Open on the European Tour. And he revealed after that result this particular win held special significance for him.
“To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year,” he said. “2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.
“As I said, we’re not finished yet. I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup. I’m just so happy my game’s in good shape. I feel like I’m playing well. Excited for what’s coming up.”
