McIlroy Leads Europe Into Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Rory McIlroy is the unquestioned heartbeat of Team Europe as the Ryder Cup shifts to Bethpage Black this week, where Europe seeks to defeat the United States on foreign soil before a partisan crowd. McIlroy is the European team’s top-ranked player and No. 2 in the world, and the most experienced Ryder Cup competitor on the squad with 33 matches. He capped an historic year in April by completing the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory, and he has emerged as the team’s unofficial mouthpiece, publicly predicting victory after Europe won in Rome two years ago and doubling down with a victory guarantee during the Walker Cup.

On the course, McIlroy will not have to wait long to test his claim. He is paired with Tommy Fleetwood in the third Friday morning foursomes against Collin Morikawa and Harris English. The two veterans formed a potent team in the Rome matches two years ago, going 2-0 in the foursomes.

Europe enters with a bold plan to topple the United States on its home course, a challenge amplified by the setting at Bethpage Black and a crowd renowned for its intensity. McIlroy, at the center of that plan, combines high-level form and a leadership presence that teammates and observers say anchors the European effort in the most high-stakes match-play format. His track record this season, including the Masters triumph, has reinforced the view that he is the right gateway to a European surge in this Ryder Cup, even as the rest of the roster brings a mix of experience and depth behind him.

The dynamic around the European team has been shaped by McIlroy’s longevity and his willingness to speak openly about goals, a stance that has helped set the tone for a squad that has long trusted his judgment in this competition. His 33 Ryder Cup matches place him among the most experienced players ever to represent Europe in this event, a factor that advisers and teammates alike say helps calm the pace during tense moments on the course. His leadership comes at a time when Europe seeks to translate personal milestones into team success, leveraging his Masters-era form to drive performances across the lineup.

Two years removed from Rome, where McIlroy and Fleetwood went 2-0 in foursomes, their pairing again represents one of the most anticipated tests on the schedule. The Friday morning slate is notable for the way it underscores the European plan to establish early momentum, setting the tone for a week that will hinge on tight matches and late-day pressure situations. Fleetwood, one of McIlroy’s longest-standing partners in Ryder Cup play, brings complementary skills and a steady temperament that teammates say complements McIlroy’s intensity and drive. Together, they illustrate the combination of proven chemistry and star power that Europe has counted on when facing the United States on foreign soil.

As the week unfolds, coaches and players will manage a mix of veteran presence and youthful energy across multiple sessions. Bethpage Black, with its demanding setup and the weight of a global audience, will test every decision at every turn. McIlroy’s role as both a top performer and a public face of Europe’s expectations remains central to the storyline, with fans and critics watching to see whether his leadership translates into a championship outcome that has eluded Europe on American soil in recent years.