Monty, Rory at odds over Ryder Cup's importance
Northern Ireland phenom Rory McIlroy raised Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie's eyebrows--if not his ire--when McIlroy suggested the Ryder Cup was an "exhibition" and not as important as individual victories.
"The Ryder Cup, it's a great spectacle for golf, but an exhibition at the end of the day and it should be there to be enjoyed," McIlroy said at an Irish Open news conference. "I think if I get on it, you know, you enjoy the week, and if you win or lose, it's a great experience and you move on from it. In the big scheme of things, it's not that important of an event for me."
When these comments were relayed to Montgomerie--Team Europe's 2010 captain and a Ryder Cup playing legend--Montgomerie said that McIlroy will feel differently when he makes his first tee shot as a member of Team Europe.
"Rory will understand when; and it's not an if, I'm sure it's when, whether it's this time or next time wherever it might be and he will be a Ryder Cup player and he will understand the pressures involved and the whole scenario of The Ryder Cup will hit him very hard, yes, and he'll understand having not played in it and having not attended The Ryder Cup as yet, in his life, and he'll understand what it's about when he's part of that," Montgomerie said.
No one knows a feud like the famously prickly Montgomerie and he was careful not to start one with 19-year-old McIlroy.
"I haven't heard what Rory said, so please don't start a big war against Rory McIlroy," Montgomerie said. "He's a great player and he's a very exciting player and he's one of Europe's best young talents that we've had for many, many a year, right? All I can say to you is you ask me, is the Ryder Cup an exhibition, no, it's not an exhibition, all right. So please don't say, and hopefully, that it won't come from me, that Monty and Rory are having a war here. Please don't say that, because I haven't said that, and all I've said is The Ryder Cup is not an exhibition and it never will be."
McIlroy and Montgomerie are paired for the opening rounds Thursday and Friday, so they'll have plenty of time to talk it out. In fact, when you look at this field, which includes Padraig Harrington and John Daly, it's clear that the European Tour is the event to watch this weekend. (Sorry Valero Texas Open.)
Posted by: bill vinall | May 30, 2009 9:16:05 AM
when is the next match between walker cup vets and ryder cup vets
Posted by: Justin | May 16, 2009 2:40:27 PM
Maybe Rory should ask Hunter Mahan about the Ryder Cup experience. He said almost the same thing, but ended up changing his tune pretty quick, as well. I'm sure McIlroy will do the same if he gets to be in one.
Posted by: Neil McLeod | May 14, 2009 11:32:42 PM
All professional golf is an exhibition. They are putting on a show and a good one. The Ryder Cup they don't get paid, right? They should. I think that's is Rory's point and I agree.
Posted by: blastfromthepast | May 14, 2009 5:31:48 PM
David Duval said the same thing years ago until he played in it for the first time. He changed his mind real quick. Rory will too.
Posted by: golfgirlrobin | May 14, 2009 4:59:17 PM
Of course it's always possible that both majors and the Ryder Cup are important, but for different reasons. Of course that doesn't get anybody riled up, but it's still probably the truth in this case. The U.S. had a couple of players at the last Ryder Cup that dismissed it as an exhibition right up until they had to stand over a shot that mattered. Rory is no different.
Posted by: Dick Friedman | May 14, 2009 4:48:02 PM
I had to laugh at this quote I read from Rory:
At the end of the day it's (the Ryder Cup) a great event, probably the best spectacle in golf. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously” – Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, defending earlier comments in which he called the Ryder Cup “an exhibition” (REUTERS, 5/14).
Here are some more quotes I expect to see.
At the end of the day Yankees-Red Sox is a great event, probably the best spectacle in baseball. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously.” --Derek Jeter
At the end of the day Michigan-Ohio State is a great event, probably the best spectacle in college football. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously.” --Rich Rodriguez
At the end of the day Duke-North Carolina is a great event, probably the best spectacle in college basketball. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously.” --Roy Williams
At the end of the day Penguins-Capitals is a great event, probably the best spectacle in hockey. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously.” --Sidney Crosby
At the end of the day Giants-Eagles is a great event, probably the best spectacle in pro football. But sometimes it's been taken a little too seriously.” --Eli Manning
Posted by: Frankie C | May 14, 2009 4:20:17 PM
Rory has got some lessons to learn, not just on the golf course.
Frankie C
http://overthetopgolf.com
http://iwantcharlesbarkley.blogspot.com
Posted by: Dan | May 14, 2009 3:44:30 PM
I would say the Players is a pretty important tournament...
Posted by: TonyC | May 14, 2009 2:36:38 PM
Let's face it the Ryder Cup is most importanat to those who have not won a major, i.e. Colin and Sergio. This is their glory. I am sure it is most important to Sergio because that is the only competition that he has done well in. He needs the team support. That is why he has never won any important golf tournament.
Posted by: MattO | May 14, 2009 1:49:58 PM
Michael, you just put your finger on a perfect example of spin. Monty's obviously very sensitive to it because his life has been dissected every conceivable way by a tabloid press that makes America's seem downright flattering. It's the headline that is most misleading, particularly the term "at odds." It is clear from the article that a more suitable headline would have been "Monty, Rory differ over importance of Ryder Cup." Even though it's true, it's too boring. Some journalists can't help but stretch the truth until it almost snaps.
Posted by: andyh | May 14, 2009 1:28:27 PM
Because michael being at odds means having different perspectives. It doesn't mean they are feuding and quarreling "at war" with each other. They just have different view points. It is an exhibition. Does the ryder cup affect the world rankings? If it doesnt, then it's an exhibition
Posted by: Bob | May 14, 2009 1:17:06 PM
It is an exhibition. I am sure its a great experience for the golfers selected and the event gets their competitive juices flowing and has its share of pressure as they all want to win.
But I'll give $1MM to anyone who can find a professional golfer who says winning the Ryder Cup is more important to them than winning a major.
Fact is golf is an individual sport, always has been and one exhibition is not going to change these guys DNA.
Posted by: michael | May 14, 2009 12:47:14 PM
why are you making an issue of this? the title to this article is depicting exactly what Monty said is not happening ...you even put his comment in your article
"So please don't say, and hopefully, that it won't come from me, that Monty and Rory are having a war here. Please don't say that, because I haven't said that."
what is your purpose for spinning it this way?