Rory McIlroy fights back tears after crucial win puts Europe on brink of Ryder Cup win hours after car-park bust-up
RORY McILROY fought back tears after edging Team Europe closer towards reclaiming the Ryder Cup in Rome on Sunday.
The four-time major winner, 34, beat American Sam Burns 3&1 in their singles clash to take Europe to within one and a half points of victory.
Rory McIlroy picked up a fourth point for Team Europe with a win over Sam BurnsGetty
Not known, clear with picture deskMcIlroy was visibly choked up during his interview after beating Burns[/caption]
It means McIlroy has helped add four points to Europe’s tally over the course of the weekend.
And he was visibly emotional during his Sky Sports interview immediately after securing the victory over Burns as he put to bed some of the demons from Whistling Straits three years ago – where he left bitterly disappointed.
He said: “I needed that [the scenes from last night] to fuel me today and not let it take away from a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage.
“I feel the whole team came out here with a different level of focus and determination. In a way, it lit a fire under the bellies of the whole team. I so wanted to win another point for Europe.”
McIlroy then began to hold back tears as the choked up Northern Irishman opened up about the nightmare 2021 Ryder Cup.
Europe were beaten 19-9 three years ago as McIlroy picked up just one point from four matches.
He continued: “Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there so to come here to Rome and get four points for the team means a lot to me and hopefully we can just get it done.
“I feel like it’s a great bounce-back for us after what happened. It’s an incredible team, a young team and one that will be around for a long time, The support has been unbelievable.
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“It’s also been a great week for me personally. I am now going to go and follow boys and get them in the house and get this over and done with.
“We have played the back nine pretty well this week so I have full confidence in the boys to get the job done.”
Reacting to the interview, one person said: “Love how much Ryder Cup means to the players. Rory McIlroy in tears at the end.
“Four points from five is certainly redemption for Rory from Whistling Straits .”
While another added: “Like he did in Whistling Straits two years ago, Rory McIlroy has been reduced to tears in his post-round interview. This time around though it’s for all the right reasons.
“He defeats Sam Burns to put Europe on the brink. Rory redemption #RyderCup.”
McIlroy’s passionate reaction came after he was embroiled in a car park bust-up on Saturday night.
He had to be held back from Team USA members and bundled into a car by team-mate Shane Lowry following a dramatic last hole defeat.
An earlier incident on the 18th hole explained why McIlroy was so angry during his car park row.
Patrick Cantlay‘s caddie Joe LaCava was caught on video clearly trying to distract McIlroy as he lined up a putt on the 18th.
LaCava was seen taking off his cap and waving it at McIlroy as they engaged in a heated conversation on the green.
As McIlroy kneeled to line up the trajectory of his shot, LaCava kept going in goading the Northern Irishman.
LaCava had clearly lost his head and was also seen shouting at someone off camera as McIlroy prepared his putt.
