McIlroy praises America as Ryder Cup looms, despite UK relocation

Rory McIlroy has described America as the best country in the world, saying it remains the land of opportunity as the Ryder Cup unfolds this week in New York, even as he and his wife Erica have relocated back to the United Kingdom with their five-year-old daughter Poppy. The move comes after a year of personal upheaval and a summer spent between two countries, with the couple owning property in Florida while building a new home in Britain. McIlroy spoke to reporters on Wednesday amid preparations for the matches at Bethpage Black, signaling that his ties to the United States remain strong even as his family settles in the UK.

McIlroy confirmed in July that he and Erica have permanently settled in the UK, with a Wentworth, Surrey, property serving as their current base while they manage long-term plans. He described the shift as a chance to reflect and refocus ahead of a season that includes major championships. "Everyone wanted to make it in America. It's the land of opportunity. And I still believe it's the best country in the world, and if you come here and work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want," the Masters champion said ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open. "I am unbelievably grateful and lucky that I got to come to America early on. I think success is celebrated here. I think there's a wonderful sense of work ethic." He added that his wife and daughter are American by family ties, and that he maintains a strong affinity for the country as a whole. "And yeah, I live here. My wife is American. My daughter is American. I have a lot of affinity towards this country, and I think everyone that lives here should have that same affinity because it is... it's a wonderful place."

We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and been since trying to settle in, and sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while, he told The Telegraph ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open. "It’s been nice to have this time to reflect and also to rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year. Obviously, we have this week in Scotland and then a massive week next week [for the Open] in Portrush." McIlroy and Erica arrived hand-in-hand for the Ryder Cup Teams' Welcome Dinner at Hempstead House in Sands Point, New York on Tuesday night, where the players and their partners dressed in formal attire ahead of the team event.

The couple, who married in 2017, endured a turbulent 2024 that included divorce papers being filed before a dramatic reversal later in the year. McIlroy addressed the personal turmoil indirectly at times, stating that the ordeal served as a wake-up call. In addressing persistent rumors about his personal life, he said, "There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning." The episode did not derail his on-course focus as he prepared for a Ryder Cup that pits the United States against Europe in front of a capacity crowd at Bethpage Black.

The Ryder Cup lineup and schedule place McIlroy at the center of a week that has drawn widespread interest in both the United States and Europe. The event, hosted in the New York area, marks a rare home appearance in the U.S. for a European team that has historically endured a grueling cross-Atlantic rotation. While McIlroy has reaffirmed his commitment to his family and his new base in the UK, he has also emphasized his continued appreciation for American fans and the opportunities that have defined his professional journey. As the teams prepare for competition at Bethpage Black, observers will be watching how his dual residences and recent personal history influence his leadership within the European squad and his performance on the course.