McIlroy 'honoured' to play in World Cup
Wednesday November 25 2009
RORY McILROY had just lost the Race to Dubai to Lee Westwood, he had smashed a hole in an advertising board with his club and had every reason to be viewing life through dark glasses.
Yet when he was asked the 'China' question, McIlroy beamed and said he was really looking forward to this week's World Cup.
At Mission Hills tomorrow, McIlroy teams up with Graeme McDowell for Ireland, who take on 27 other countries, including England, represented by Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter, Scotland and Wales.
The US team is Nick Watney and John Merrick. Watney is a fine player, but there were 14 Americans ahead of him on the rankings who turned down the chance to represent their country. America is in danger of bringing golf into disrepute.
honour
What a contrast to McIlroy's attitude. The 20-year-old said: "Obviously we are playing for our country, which is a huge honour. It's my first taste of the World Cup and I don't think there should be any reason why I shouldn't be motivated. It would be a great title to win."
McDowell said: "It says a lot about Rory, to be able to get himself up for this week. He's obviously disappointed.
"There are a lot of good teams this week, but we know we are one of the favourites. It would mean a lot to win. We play a lot of individual golf, but getting a chance to play with a partner and representing your country and some of the great champions that have won this tournament, it would be a special feeling."
Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson will defend their title for Sweden while Sergio Garcia and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano represent Spain. David Drysdale and Alistair Forsyth represent Scotland while Stephen Dodd and Jamie Donaldson fly the flag for Wales.
World Cup of Golf,
Live, Sky Sports 2, Tomorrow, 3.30am
- Mark Reason
Irish Independent
