This year, the fiercest battle of men’s golf is all set to take place next week in Rome. The Ryder Cup is a matter of utmost pride for each golfer who is participating in the event. However, why is this event deemed to be the most prestigious? Well, it’s actually quite straightforward. Instead of playing for their own interests, players are playing patriotically. These golfers are bearing the hopes and expectations of an entire nation.

And now that we all know which players will be up on the green, expectations are rising. This implies that each golfer is interested in learning the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates. In the midst of all this, Ricki Fowler’s instructor divulged an interesting detail about opponent team member Rory McIlroy.

A worthy praise from the challenger’s side

Ricki Fowler is one of the most established players in the history of the PGA Tour. With 10 professional victories, three major runner-up finishes, and his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, Fowler is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.

This year, Fowler made sure to end his three-year title drought. In 2019, he won the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and after that, everyone was waiting for him to add another win under his name. In July, he overcame Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin in a playoff to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

After Fowler’s victory, Butch Harmon, Fowler’s coach, disclosed that he received a text from Irish golfer Rory McIlroy in an interview with the Sky Sport Golf Podcast. “I got a beautiful text from Rory (McIlroy) yesterday that says. ‘Congratulations Butch, he is back where he belongs.’ and that just shows you what the players think about this kid,” said Harmon.

The charismatic Fowler will definitely be a challenge to McIlroy’s team in the Ryder Cup. However, there is another player on the US team who the Irishman thinks is a threat.

McIlroy deems JT as a great addition to the US roster

This year, Justin Thomas has only had three top finishes and slipped out of the top 10 world rankings. When Justin Thomas got into the US team, many thought it was a bad idea. However, for McIlroy, Thomas is one of the greatest challengers.

Read More: How Did the Ryder Cup Get Its Name? Unveiling the Story Behind Golf’s Biggest Patriotic Showdown

“I felt the conversation around [Thomas being selected as a captain’s pick] was completely unjustified,” McIlroy said. “Because, in my opinion, being a European and knowing that I have to face some of these guys, honestly, there are other guys on that team that I’d rather face than JT.” As the players gear up to face their opponents in one of the greatest showdowns that golf enthusiasts look forward to, we can’t wait for the ”Battle of Rome.”

Watch This Story | Taking It Easy Days After Her Maiden LPGA Triumph Megan Khang Unmasks Netflix’s Stress Buster Role in Her Hectic Schedule