Team USA Ryder Cup Shirt Draws Laughter as Silhouette Resembles Rory McIlroy
Official Ralph Lauren tee sold at the U.S. Ryder Cup Shop appears to show McIlroy’s high-and-tight swing; European star reacted with amusement ahead of Sept. 26 start at Bethpage Black.
Team USA’s official Ryder Cup merchandise drew unexpected attention this week after a navy blue Ralph Lauren T‑shirt sold in the U.S. Ryder Cup Shop appeared to feature a silhouette resembling Europe’s Rory McIlroy.
The silhouette on the $65 tee shows a golfer finishing a swing with a distinctive high-and-tight follow-through that some observers compared to McIlroy’s well-known motion. McIlroy, a member of Team Europe, said he found the resemblance amusing when speaking to Sky Sports. “It looks a little more like Adam Scott to me than me, but yeah, it looks a little similar,” he said, adding with a laugh, “That’s OK, I won’t mind that.”
The tee, produced under the official U.S. Ryder Cup apparel line by Ralph Lauren and available at the event shop, surfaced as fans and media examined the U.S. team’s branding in the run-up to the biennial match. Social media commentary about the shirt included speculation over whether the image was generated or the result of a design oversight, but retailers and organizers did not issue an immediate explanation.
McIlroy said he expects a pro‑American crowd at Bethpage Black and that the European side will concentrate on controlling its reactions to partisan spectators. He referenced Novak Djokovic’s experience handling raucous U.S. crowds at large tournaments and said the Serb had spoken to the European team about channeling such energy in Rome last year. “Maybe taking a leaf out of his book and channeling that energy the right way,” McIlroy said. “All we can do is control our reaction and our emotions to it. I think the less we play into it, the better it is for us.”
The Ryder Cup begins Sept. 26 at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Team USA will feature the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler alongside players including Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Justin Thomas, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns. Team Europe, which won the 2023 edition, will include McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland among its roster.
Historically, the United States leads the series with 27 wins to Europe’s 15 heading into the 45th edition of the event. The merchandise kerfuffle provided a lighter moment in a week otherwise dominated by final preparations, pairings and strategy discussions as both teams sharpened for match play.
Organizers and the apparel partner had not issued a formal statement about the silhouette as of Monday. Tournament play will determine whether conversation about a T‑shirt becomes a footnote or an enduring anecdote from this year’s Ryder Cup.