Ryder Cup 2023: Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm focused on Team Europe win after missing out at The Open | Golf News

Who boosted his hopes of qualifying for the Ryder Cup with his performance at The Open? Team Europe and Team USA ahead of this year’s competition in Rome; Watch the Ryder Cup live from 30 September to 2 October on Sky Sports Golf

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm have both set their sights on reclaiming the Ryder Cup for Team Europe this September after missing out on a win at the 151st Open.

Rahm was part of a four-way tie for second place at Royal Liverpool, where Brian Harman claimed a maiden major after a stunning six-shot victory, while McIlroy continues to await a fifth major after finishing tied-sixth after a final-round 68.

McIlroy had tears in his eyes during Europe’s record-breaking loss against Team USA at Whistling Straits in 2021, with the former world No 1 now focused on a strong end to the PGA Tour season before leading Luke Donald’s team to victory at Marco Simone Golf Club.

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will both have key roles for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup this September

“The confidence is high, I’m playing well, obviously, after last week’s win, here’s another solid performance,” McIlroy told sky sports, “I want to go out there and try to win another FedExCup, have another race in Dubai to win, and obviously the Ryder Cup, which is the most important of them all.

“After what happened at Whistling Straits, personally for me and then for the rest of the team, I don’t think we could be more motivated to go to Rome and get the Ryder Cup back. Individually and until then there’s a lot of golf to be played, but I think a lot of our focus will be on Rome after that.”

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Rory McIlroy says his main focus is on the Ryder Cup after a ‘forgettable’ week at The Open.

The European team is likely to be vastly different from the one they lost in 2021, with five teams now competing in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, although Rahm is confident the hosts will have a strong squad in Rome.

“It’s been a good year for the Europeans, but when you go to the Ryder Cup it doesn’t really matter what you do during the year,” Rahm said. This is an 18-hole match. It’s all about showing up that day.

“That’s why I think Europe has done really well in the past. We always hear praise about the American team, and they still do, and on paper they should be better, but it’s all about what you do against the guy in front of you that day.

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A look back at Jon Rahm’s thrilling bogey-free 63 in the third round of The 151st Open

“Still very positive that many of you are playing good golf and are on the leaderboard. I know we will have many new faces on our team and everyone is looking to improve on what happened two years ago.

“With Luke’s guidance, we’ll have a really strong team, and I’m looking forward to it, and we should have a really good chance to get that cup back and defend home ground.”

Team Europe in position

The top three players on the European points list and the next three players available on the world points list qualify automatically. When the qualification campaign ends on 3 September, Donald has six options to complete his line-up.

McIlroy and Rahm occupy the top two spots on the European points list and are already guaranteed their spots for Team Europe, although third place is still up for grabs with three DP World Tour events left in the qualification period.

Robert McIntyre Genesis is last by position, following their runner-up finish at the Scottish Open, although Yannick Paul and Adrian Maronek are lurking behind. and Tommy Fleetwood Moved up two places to sixth with a top-10 finish at The Open.

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Legendary golf coach Pete Cowen claims Padraig Harrington, 51, deserves a place in the European team ahead of the Ryder Cup in Rome and revealed that increased strength has helped him improve his game recently.

Victor Holvand, tyrell hatton Currently occupying the automatic spot through the world points list, Fleetwood surpassed Matt Fitzpatrick with his performance in the final men’s major of the year. Sepp Straka is also out of the automatic places after finishing runner-up at The Open, while Shane Lowry and Justin Rose are also well placed in the standings.

What about Team USA?

Herman’s impressive win has leapfrogged him into the automatic qualification spots and means he will likely make his debut for Team USA, who have missed out on the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup by narrow margins in the past.

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Take a look at Brian Harman’s final round of 70 that sealed his victory at Royal Liverpool and the Claret Jug.

World No. 1 Scotty Scheffler, US Open champion Windham Clarke and PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka are also currently in automatic spots, after the BMW Championship on August 20 secured their spots in favor of Zac Johnson.

Johnson will then have a choice of six captains to complete his team, with the 47-year-old Johnson pleased with the strength of his options to choose from ahead of his bid for a first USA win on European soil since 1993.

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United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson explains how captaincy has become a family affair as he reveals his wife is the ‘real captain’.

After his final round at The Open, Johnson said, “I feel like I have a rich pick.” “Again, more positive than anything. The state of American golf is great. Some guys who are on the cusp of starting to play really well, which is wonderful.

“I would prefer my decision to be really tough. It means guys are in good shape and in good form, which is ultimately what’s important.”

Can Europe Reclaim the Ryder Cup in Rome? Watch the biennial competition exclusively live from 30 September to 2 October on Sky Sports.