After entering this week with so much hope, the 2021 Ryder Cup has turned out to be a largely disastrous event for the European team and their captain Padraig Harrington.
Playing against a supremely talented American team, they were on the back foot right from the first foursome sessions on Friday. They would have a mountain to climb from that point on, with the gap between them only widening as we got deeper into the weekend.
A number of European players will certainly disappointed that they did not produce their best form, Rory McIlroy included.
The Down native was well off his best on both Friday and Saturday, although he would bounce back with a win over Xander Schauffele in the singles this evening.
Blue on the board. 🔵
Rory McIlroy claims the first point of the singles, although #TeamUSA are ahead in eight of the other 11 matches on the course. pic.twitter.com/lE6BffWR0p— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
It was a good end to a bad week for McIlroy, although it would be unlikely that his win would have much impact on the overall outcome when looking at the other singles matches.
During his post-round interview, McIlroy displayed the type of emotion that we rarely see from him. He was in tears as he explained the emotion of this week, feeling as though he had let his team down with his performances over the opening couple of days.
🗣 "I love my team-mates so much and I should've done more for them this week."
An emotional Rory McIlroy reflects on ending his #RyderCup by winning a point for #TeamEurope in the Sunday singles. pic.twitter.com/3p7GY2bYJf— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
I love being a part of this team and I love my teammates so much. I should have done more for them this week.
I'm glad I put a point on the board for Europe today, but I can't wait to get another shot at this. It is by far the best experience in golf.
I hope little boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in this event or the Solheim Cup because there is nothing better than being part of a team, especially with the bond we have in Europe.
No matter what happens after this, I'm proud of every single one of those players that played this week, and our captain and vice-captains.
I just wish I could have done more for the team. I got a point on the board today, but it's been a tough week.
A tough week for him, but we imagine it will add to McIlroy's determination ahead of the 2023 edition.
SEE ALSO: Sky Sports Had To Apologise For Shane Lowry's Ryder Cup Celebration
