Rory McIlroy Displays Massive Humility After Opening Day Loss at Ryder Cup 2020

Published 09/24/2021, 11:21 PM EDT

Kicking off the Ryder Cup in breathtaking fashion, the Americans raced to a dominant victory with a 3-1 lead. Notably, Team USA’s surreal performance in the morning session now has fans looking forward to the upcoming afternoon foursomes, with Team Europe under significant pressure. However, upholding the spirit of the game, Rory McIlroy set aside his defeat and was all praise for the masterclass display from Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay.

While Team USA is in the lead right now, Team Europe will have plenty of chances to catch up. Although, with the Americans in red hot form, can the visitors breach past the blistering home support and secure the afternoon session at the Ryder Cup 2020?

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What does Rory McIlroy have to say about his opening day loss?

Out of all the matches played during the first sessions, the Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter vs Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele clash seemed to be significantly lopsided, especially as the Americans remained dominant. They were 5Up thru the front nine and proved to be the much better team overall. Team USA won 5&3, as McIlroy and Poulter struggled to find their rhythm.

Rory McIlroy preaching: "I don't know if anyone could have beat Xander and Patrick today. They played really good, four birdies in a row. Geez, yeah, they played great … all you can do is praise them for the way they played."
— Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) September 24, 2021

The Americans looked flawless all morning, leaving their 35-year-old opponent in awe, testifying for the same. Speaking of his counterpart’s performance, Rory said, “I don’t know if anyone could have beat Xander and Patrick today. They played really good, four birdies in a row. Geez, yeah, they played great … all you can do is praise them for the way they played.”

Other results of the morning foursomes

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth vs Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia

Rahm and Garcia were the only two players on the European side who could bag a win. Thomas and Spieth seemed to have had a good start, but the European duo worked well together, winning the match 3&1.

Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa vs Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland

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As the match began, it looked like Casey and Hovland might have the upper hand over their opponents. However, Johnson and Morikawa prevailed, winning with a 3&2 score. They were 1 down thru 5, but secured four out of the next seven holes.

Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger vs Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick

Koepka and Berger were dominant during the match, starting strong as they went 2Up thru three. While the Europeans did try to make a comeback, Berger’s putts kept their team in the lead, winning 2&1.

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More action awaits at the Ryder Cup 2020.

Watch this story: How Many PGA Tour Titles Has Bryson DeChambeau Won?

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Written by:

Devika Pawar is a golf and NBA writer at Essentially Sports. A psychology graduate from KJ Somaiya, Devika has an experience with sportswriting at Republic World for around two years now. She loves NBA a little too much, and is a dedicated Golden State Warriors fan.

Rory McIlroy Displays Massive Humility After Opening Day Loss at Ryder Cup 2020

What does Rory McIlroy have to say about his opening day loss?

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Other results of the morning foursomes