Rory McIlroy goes all ‘Gladiator’ as Europe wins Ryder Cup

afr.com:

Guidonia Montecelio, Italy | Rory McIlroy was still running hot after his parking lot outburst at the Ryder Cup on Saturday night as he made his way to Marco Simone the following morning to help Europe regain the golden trophy.

He’d already addressed the issue with European captain Luke Donald. He’d already spoken to his wife, too. But McIlroy also decided to take inspiration from the writings of a Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius – the mentor of Russell Crowe’s Maximus in the blockbuster Gladiator – to get in the right frame of mind.

Europe’s Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning his singles match against United States’ Sam Burns. AP

When in Rome, and all that.

Well, the message got through.

McIlroy delivered more than he ever has for Team Europe, his 3-and-1 singles win over Sam Burns taking him to a competition-high four points – the most he has ever compiled at a single Ryder Cup – and providing the momentum that pushed his teammates over the line for a 16½-11½ victory on Sunday. That means Europe now has seven straight wins at home dating to 1993.

He finished the previous Ryder Cup in tears at Whistling Straits, frustrated that he’d let the European team down by only claiming one point in its record loss to the Americans.

Two years later, McIlroy was pouring Champagne over teammate Shane Lowry’s head and leading the soccer-style celebrations on the podium as Europe’s players took turns to hoist the 17-inch gold trophy high.

“This wasn’t about revenge, this was about redemption,” McIlroy said.

“I’ve luckily been a part of a few winning Ryder Cup teams and it feels amazing. But at the same time, being part of a losing Ryder Cup team sucks, it really does.”

McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland – the guys ranked Nos. 2-4