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Team Europe enters the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy as a significant underdog.
The United States won the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in resounding fashion, 19-9.
And this year’s US team is somehow even stronger, especially relative to an extremely inexperienced European side.
The US has an average world ranking of 12.92 compared to Europe’s 30. Its players have a combined Ryder Cup record of 34-22-13, while European players have a combined record of 36-39-12. And American players have combined for 15 majors against just nine for the Europeans.
But there is still hope for Team Europe.
A large reason for that hope is the heavy hitters. Europe boasts three of the top four players in the most recent Official World Golf Rankings in Rory McIrloy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland.
All three will need to be at their best for Europe to win.
But McIlroy, however, is taking an unconventional approach to preparation for the event.
The four-time major champion is headed to noted Greek party island Mykonos for a weekend of partying with friends, and he’s told Euro captain Luke Donald that the trip was non-negotiable.
“Yes, the issue did crop up,” Donald said of the discussion. “Rory understands that he is not 21 or 22 any more.
“There’s nothing wrong having some fun with your friends, but I think he’s got wise enough shoulders to know that he won’t go crazy, so no concerns there.”
But McIlroy says he doesn’t plan to overdo things while partying.
“Hey, I’m sensible when I need to be,” he said. “It’s only 48 hours, nice little trip, and probably needed as well.”
Listen, McIlroy is 34 years old. Nobody is going to tell him when he can or can’t go on vacation. But if you’re Team USA, you probably wouldn’t mind if showed up in Rome a little worse for wear.