Rory McIlroy demonstrated the qualities of a future Ryder Cup captain as long as a decade ago, according to a Team Europe insider. McIlroy has been the darling of British sport this year following his long-awaited Masters victory, which secured him golf’s Grand Slam.
The Northern Irish ace also claimed the prestigious Players Championship and the Race to Dubai crown, before playing a crucial part as Europe dramatically held onto the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. Crowning an extraordinary year, McIlroy was recently voted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. While remaining at the height of his abilities, McIlroy can anticipate numerous future Ryder Cup appearances as a competitor.
However, it seems certain he will one day lead the team, according to performance coach Chris Henry, who was embedded within Team Europe at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, where Team USA triumphed 17-11.
McIlroy was just 26 at the time but left a lasting impression on Henry, who was working with Spanish Team Europe player Rafa Cabrera-Bello. Henry, who has also mentored Lee Westwood plus numerous elite snooker stars, said: “I was in the players’ meetings, listening to people like Rory McIlroy, it was fascinating.
“Some of the things he was saying to the players were really fantastic, really encouraging.”
When questioned whether McIlroy had assumed a leadership position, Henry confirmed: “He did. Obviously, with him and Darren Clarke [the captain] both being Northern Irish, he wanted to help Darren.
“A couple of times in meetings, Rory would stand up and speak with some motivational stuff. He said if we do these certain things, we can win, if we believe in ourselves… that kind of rhetoric.
“It was fantastic to listen to. He was very encouraging, very confident, very positive. He was obviously very experienced by then, having won four majors.
“He’s such a great character. Back then, he was an old head on young shoulders. He’s just a great guy, phenomenal, what a great guy to have in your team.
“I think it’s nailed on [that he’ll be captain] and you know what, he’ll make a phenomenal Ryder Cup captain as well.
“Not only because of his credibility with the players but his way of helping to motivate people. It was wonderful to watch.”
McIlroy is currently taking some well-earned time off before 2026, when he will look to increase his collection of major championships.
