NEW DELHI — Rory McIlroy has expressed a need to be the European Ryder Cup captain in the future — however not till “the mid-2030s.”
McIlroy is enjoying his first event in India this week as he returns to aggressive motion after serving to Europe retain the Ryder Cup by beating the USA in New York final month.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman has performed previously eight Ryder Cups and, because the world No. 2 and present Masters champion, figures he shall be on the staff for just a few extra — not least in Eire in 2027.
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However he mentioned Wednesday that someday sooner or later he desires to steer the staff because the captain somewhat than as its star participant.
“Completely, I might like to be a captain in the future, and I really feel very lucky that I’ve had a front-row seat enjoying below a few of the greatest captains in historical past within the Ryder Cup,” McIlroy mentioned, name-checking Paul McGinley — the successful 2014 skipper — and Luke Donald, who led Europe previously two matches.
“However,” he added, “I would say not till the mid-2030s, hopefully, if I can preserve enjoying nicely.”
McIlroy was on the tip of a barrage of abuse from American spectators at Bethpage Black and infrequently gave it again to them in a febrile environment that ended up being the subplot of the week.
He thinks that is a disgrace, particularly since Europe went on to grow to be the primary staff to win an away Ryder Cup since 2012.
“Simply over the past two weeks, having the ability to watch the highlights and simply see, particularly these first two days, within the foursomes and the four-balls how good [the] European staff had been,” McIlroy mentioned. “The Individuals would hit it shut; we hit it nearer. The Individuals gap a putt, and we gap a putt on high [and] it occurred each single time.
“The unlucky factor is folks aren’t remembering that and they’re remembering the week for the unsuitable cause. I wish to shift the narrative and deal with how good the European staff had been and the way proud I used to be to be a part of that staff to win an away Ryder Cup.”
McIlroy mentioned he has been eager to play in India for a while as he seeks to make his schedule “extra worldwide.” In November, he’ll play in Abu Dhabi and on the European tour’s season-closing event in Dubai after which on the Australian Open in December.
“I feel over the previous couple of years, I’ve loved it much more. I’ve loved the journey,” he mentioned. “I’ve loved attending to play in entrance of people who I’ve by no means performed in entrance of earlier than.”
As a self-confessed cricket “sicko,” McIlroy mentioned he was upset he would not be capable to squeeze in attending a match in India’s favourite sport throughout his journey.
“I would love to come back again and do this,” he mentioned.
