How Rory McIlroy has acted before the Presidents Cup shows why Team Europe have had so much Ryder Cup success

Team USA and Rory McIlroy have no love left after last year’s Ryder Cup.

McIlroy led Team Europe to a road win at Bethpage Black amid a tidal wave of abuse from New York fans. It was one of McIlroy’s crowning achievements in his storied career.

But beating the American team isn’t just for Ryder Cup years for the Northern Irishman. What he said about Team USA a week before the Presidents Cup shows exactly why the Europeans have had so much recent success.

McIlroy is playing with Ryan Fox at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth a week before the Presidents Cup, and Fox is making the most of the opportunity.

He revealed he’s already spoken to Shane Lowry to help prepare for Team USA, and he’ll speak with McIlroy over the next couple of days.

McIlroy was asked about the Europeans’ recent success against Team USA in team events of late. The Americans lost the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup, and the Solheim Cup consecutively for the first time since 2004 this year, and the Masters champion hopes the International Team can make it four out of four losses.

How many points do you think the youngster will deliver at Medinah?

Speaking about the Solheim Cup, he said, “Obviously a great result for the European side, after what we did in Bethpage, what the Walker Cup guys did. All we need now is the Internationals to do it in a couple of weeks. That would be great.”

McIlroy has no vested interest in the International Team outside of wanting the Americans to lose. It seems winning the Ryder Cup isn’t just about winning. It’s about beating Team USA.

And since Lowry is also advising Fox ahead of the Presidents Cup, he doesn’t seem alone. This sentiment is deep-rooted on the European side, adding intense motivation to win the Ryder Cup every other year.

You simply don’t hear Americans speak about the Europeans like this, especially outside of the Ryder Cup. It’s a European attitude, and one that gives them an edge.

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