Rory McIlroy reveals plan to storm American dressing room as Europe win Ryder Cup - 'Red mist'

Rory McIlroy golf

Rory McIlroy was livid after a Ryder Cup row with Joe LaCava

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 02/10/2023

- 08:13

Updated: 02/10/2023

- 08:17

The 34-year-old helped his side secure victory in the prestigious golf competition over the weekend

Rory McIlroy has revealed he wanted to storm the American dressing room following his Ryder Cup row with caddie Joe LaCava.

The 34-year-old clashed with Patrick Cantlay's caddie over the weekend, annoyed at the veteran for not moving out of his way as he prepared to make a putt.


McIlroy asked LaCava to 'politely' move but the experienced caddie continued to celebrate a birdie from Cantlay.

His temper boiled over, with the Northern Irishman confronting LaCava before Europe secured victory.

Rory McIlroy Joe Cava

Rory McIlroy has admitted to 'red mist' following his row with Joe LaCava

PA

And McIlroy has now confessed he wanted to storm the American locker room in the aftermath - and had to be held back - while also revealing he confronted another US caddie in the car park.

"I don’t feel like I was afforded the same opportunity to make a putt as Patrick was," he explained.

"I thought it was completely disrespectful. It is the angriest I have been in a long time.”

He added: "It was red mist more than anything else.

"I was actually about to drop my bag and go into the American locker room because I was so angry but Shane kind of held me back from doing that.

"The first American I saw was Bones Mackay and I know he is close to Joe so I let him have a mouthful.”

McIlroy did, however, reveal he apologised to Jim 'Bones' Mackay following their clash.

He stated: "He was the first American I saw outside the locker room, I texted and apologised.

"I was angry. I didn't agree with what happened on 18.

"I let it fuel the fire today. It focused me and I went out and got the point. Joe wasn't there.

"We talked about it as a team, we felt it was disrespectful, to the whole team, we get the banter when we go to the States and play.

"It's the way the Ryder Cup goes, you have to have thick skin. We've texted.

"Everything will be fine. It's a point of contention, it still hurts. But time's a healer.

"I just wanted to win another point for Europe.

"Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.

"It's a great bounce-back after Whistling Straits.

"The team we have is incredible. It's a young team that I think will be around for a long time."

While it was joy for McIlroy and Europe, it was a difficult defeat for America to take.

And their captain, Zach Johnson, took full responsibility for the loss.

"I am proud of my guys," he said. "They fought, they have got so much heart and grit.

"It is not them it is on me. Maybe there are some important decisions I can reflect on, I don't have an idea yet, but it is not on them 12 guys.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy was delighted after Europe beat America to win the Ryder Cup

PA

"They played so hard, and I am grateful for each and every one of them."

You may like