The world’s premier team golf event, the Ryder Cup, kicks off this Friday, with Europe competing to reclaim the trophy from Team USA. Under Zach Johnson’s leadership, Team USA aspires to be the first to clinch the esteemed trophy on European grounds since the 1993 triumph at the Belfry. Since its inception in 1927, the USA has maintained a dominant 27-14 lead.

On the other side, after facing a 19-9 setback against the USA in 2021, Europe is keen on making a strong comeback. With memories of their crushing defeat in Wisconsin still fresh, the European squad is poised to even the score, and with friends on either side of these teams, like Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, the dynamics between them are undoubtedly an awkward situation, to say the least!

Justin Thomas’ off-beat dynamics with Rory McIlroy ahead of the Ryder Cup

Ahead of the event, 30-year-old Justin Thomas commented that during the tournament, friendships take a backseat. While PGA Tour stars Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy usually share camaraderie on the Tour throughout the year, they’ll be competitors this week in Rome.

The Louisville-born Thomas admits that, during the game, his usual affinity for the Northern Irishman takes a pause, claiming he feels a strong rivalry against him. During a pre-tournament interview at Macro Simone, Justin Thomas opened up about playing with Rory.

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He mentioned, “I love Rory. We get along very well. He’s been a role model of mine… We played each other in the Ryder Cup, and, yeah, we hated each other for 18 holes.” Justin Thomas mentioned that, during Ryder Cup matches, his competitive spirit takes over, making him intensely competitive. He remarked that he’d be just as eager to win if his own wife were on the opposite team.

In his past two Ryder Cups, JT has had an impressive 6-2-1 record. During Europe’s decisive 17½-10½ triumph at Le Golf National near Paris in 2018, he clinched four of a potential five points. On the other side, attention is squarely on Rory McIlroy as he gears up for his seventh Ryder Cup appearance.

The two certainly hold each other in high regard, and that further came to light thanks to the Irishman’s recent “rather face” conversation!

McIlroy gets candid about JT’s Ryder Cup prowess

On the recent Subpar Podcast hosted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz of Golf.com, Rory McIlroy shared insights from a European player’s viewpoint. When the controversial topic of JT came up, he remarked, “Honestly, there are other guys on that team that I’d rather face than JT.” Even with JT’s less-than-stellar year, McIlroy sees Thomas as one of the key players Team USA would bank on.

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This weekend in Rome, the golf world will witness a fierce battle between Europe and the USA for Ryder Cup glory. As the Americans strive to hold onto their title, Europe is eager to redeem itself after their setback at Whistling Straits in 2021. And leading the charge at both ends will be the friendly but fierce duo.

Which side are you rooting for in this fast-approaching patriotic showdown? Let us know in the comments below!

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