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Rory McIlroy is competing for Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup this week. It will be his 8th time representing Europe at the Ryder Cup.
Rory was born in Holywood, County Down and is a citizen of Northern Ireland. But when it comes to naming ‘the greatest country in the world,’ Rory knows the correct answer: the United States of America.
Rory Calls America ‘Greatest Country in the World’ Ahead of Ryder Cup
During his Ryder Cup press conference on Thursday morning at Bethpage Black, Rory was asked what his impressions of America were growing up in Northern Ireland. He was further asked how that impression has changed, if at all, after living in the United States for so many years.
Rory started his answer by saying “everyone wanted to make it in America. It’s the land of opportunity. I still believe it’s the greatest country in the world. And if you come here and work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want.”
Here is that moment from the Ryder Cup press conference:
If it wasn’t the eve of the 2025 Ryder Cup where Team USA is seeking to regain the Cup from Team Europe after a beatdown two years ago in Rome, Rory McIlroy’s America comments might not be news. But for him to call our country the ‘greatest country in the world’ the night before competing against Team USA is newsworthy in that context.
Being a skeptic though, it gives me pause.
Is Rory McIlroy calling the United States the ‘greatest country in the world’ simply because he knows those quotes will reach the public? Is he hoping that American golf fans will hear that and take it easy on him out on the course when heckling?
I can’t shake the feeling that there’s an ulterior motive here. Of course, Rory has lived in the USA for a LONG time and he recognizes how incredible our country is. In fact, he’s seen more of the United States than most Americans during his travels for work on the PGA Tour.
But I’m slowly convincing myself he said this just so Team USA fans take it easier on him this weekend… Don’t fall for his tactics! If you are going to be out at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup, let ’em hear it.