THE RYDER CUP

October 1, 2023

Rory McIlroy

Marco Simone

Team Europe

Quick Quotes Singles

Q. Two years ago, you walked off the golf course in Whistling Straits in floods of tears. This time you're the leading points scorer for the team. How much does Team Europe mean to you?

RORY McILROY: It means an awful lot. I was so disappointed after Whistling Straits. We all were. And we wanted to come here to Rome this year and redeem ourselves a bit. We've got some fresh blood on the team that I think has worked really, really well. I just knew that I needed to putt in a better performance for my teammates this week, and you know, thankfully I was able to do that.

Q. A lot went on in the last 24 hours, and I know it's been emotional for you. Can you tell us what took place this morning and meeting with Joe LaCava on property? How was your head entering this match today?

RORY McILROY: I haven't met Joe.

Q. There was no clear-up of what took place last night?

RORY McILROY: I haven't met Joe.

Q. Okay. So how were you feeling after what took place and how determined were you to win this blue point?

RORY McILROY: I was focused. I was very focused. I let it fuel me. I didn't let it take way from what's been a fantastic week. I used that little incident last night to my advantage.

Q. And did it fuel the team in general, do you think?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it did. It was a bit of a deflating finish last night, but I think what transpired in that last green, it all gave us a little bit of a fire in our bellies to try and get the job done today.

Q. As you creep closer, 1 1/2 points away, can you describe the captaincy style that Luke has displayed and what a leader he has been for you?

RORY McILROY: Quiet confidence is what Luke has been this week. Doesn't have to say many words. The words that he does say are very, very impactful and he's been amazing this week.