LAND OF HOPE & RORY

Mcllroy has a huge point to prove in front of US away fans

- ANDY DUNN

AFTER Rory Mcliroy hit his most recent Ryder Cup shot on American soil, a few of us approached him after he had shaken hands with the vanquished Xander Schauffele.

Mcllroy promptly dissolved into tears.

He had won his singles match at Whistling Straits but that victory had been preceded by three defeats in foursomes and fourballs.

Mcllroy's misery in Wisconsin in 2021 was emblematic of Team Europe's surrender on the banks of Lake Michigan.

Rory had not just been beaten three times, he had been pummelled - twice losing by a 4&3 margin and going down 5&3 in his opening match.