Rory McIlroy warned over Ryder Cup argument controversy as Team USA message sent

Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley has urged Rory McIlroy to avoid controversial incidents like the iconic car park drama of 2023, as the pressure is on Team USA. The Northern Irishman dominated the headlines on and off the course at the Marco Simone Golf and Country club, when Europe overcame their rivals across the pond to win in Italy.

One of the most shocking moments of the competition came when McIlroy confronted Patrick Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava, accusing him of waving his cap in his line of sight to distract him. The five-time major winner furiously shouted at LaCava in the car park in front of his stunned team-mates and media within the vicinity. Even more attention was paid to McIlroy, who, as he has so often done throughout his career, harnessed the anger and successfully channelled it into his game. However, McGinley believes McIlroy needs to avoid drama like this to ensure the pressure and attention is fully focussed on their hosts.

McGinley, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2014, said to Sky Sports: "If he doesn't get it, it's okay, and honestly, as much as we have all this build-up, Europe doesn't really have that much to lose. They are the away team.

"If they lose, it's not going to change the stature of the Ryder Cup or their stature as a team. To me, Rory will be a lightning rod for the fans. I don't think he'll rise to the bait.

"I think he's going to stay above the fray because he doesn't want another occurrence like Rome, and I think that'll be better for his concentration and just for his experience. And then when this is all over, he can savour this great year and really look at it in the long view."

McIlroy picked up four out of five points in Italy and will be looking to repeat his heroics to inspire Europe to a first Ryder Cup victory on US soil since 2012. In the Friday foursomes, McIlroy has been partnered with Tommy Fleetwood against Collin Morikawa and Harris English.

McIlroy was fired up after the 2023 triumph. During the celebrations, he boldly declared Europe will retain the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in an iconic, emotional speech.

USA skipper Keegan Bradley recently hinted McIlroy's speech was played to his players on multiple occasions. McGinley is not worried about McIlroy's antics, claiming the 2025 Masters winner has a track record for backing up what he says on the course.

He added: "He's a player that has got a big personality behind the scenes, as well as a personality on the golf course. He's a guy that has really bought in more to this Ryder Cup over the years, I think it's fair to say that.

"He won four out of five points in Rome, that's pretty good. His record at the moment stands at 55 per cent. It'll be better than that by the time he finishes his career. He's on the march with this. And one thing about Rory you've got to really admire is when he puts a goal out there that he really wants to do, he generally achieves it."