McIlroy’s Message to Walker Cup Team: “Beat Them”

Rory McIlroy understands the thrill of defeating the Americans in the Ryder Cup, having experienced it firsthand on home soil. He also knows the disappointment of a loss, remembering his experience in the Walker Cup. So, it’s not surprising that ahead of the 2025 Walker Cup at Cypress Point, McIlroy sent a motivating message to Luke Poulter and the entire GB&I squad.

McIlroy was part of the 2007 GB&I team that lost the Walker Cup at Royal County Down. According to Golf Channel’s Brently Romine, players from GB&I received a video message from McIlroy on Friday night, just before their foursomes match on Saturday.

“As someone who played a Walker Cup and wasn’t able to quite get it done, and then to play Ryder Cups and beat the Yanks in their own backyard, nothing feels better,” McIlroy saeid in the message, as reported by Romine.

McIlroy, a key member of the 2012 European Ryder Cup team that achieved the remarkable “Miracle at medinah” comeback – the last time europe won on American soil – concluded his message with a confident prediction about the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

“Please beat them. We’re going to beat them at Bethpage,” McIlroy stated.