Rory McIlroy playfully teased his teammate Tommy Fleetwood after Fleetwood’s dual triumph in the Ryder Cup and Tour Championship. Prior to Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, Fleetwood had clinched his first PGA Tour win and a staggering £8 million prize at the Tour Championship in Georgia. During a press conference following the Ryder Cup win, McIlroy humorously referenced Fleetwood’s lucrative weekend in New York.
The banter occurred as McIlroy also addressed his wife’s Ryder Cup experience and his satisfaction with a shot near the hole. Fleetwood, who had to putt next, jokingly responded, sparking laughter among the team. McIlroy, in good spirits, mentioned Fleetwood’s FedEx Cup winnings.
Despite the light-hearted teasing, McIlroy commended captain Luke Donald and the team for their response to Team USA’s strong final-day effort. McIlroy expressed pride in the team’s collective effort and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible feat of winning in America, particularly in New York.
While McIlroy missed celebrating Fleetwood’s victory in Georgia, standing alongside him and the team in New York brought solace after a challenging week. McIlroy emphasized that the Ryder Cup symbolizes a unified mission to elevate the sport, transcending individual accomplishments.
Reflecting on the Ryder Cup win, McIlroy highlighted the team’s role in the victory and emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving success.