“A Week People Dream of in Their Careers”
Team Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood spoke about the Ryder Cup in high regard.
“It is a much more emotional week than what we are used to. It’s a week people dream of in their careers.
“From the Monday being together it is a very emotional time and it is a massive privilege to have the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of European players in the Ryder Cup.
“That is always at the front of our minds. Winning with a team has been the highlight of my career.”
“Stick To Your Routine”
Team Europe Sepp Straka stressed the importance of adhering to one’s tried-and-true methods that have proven effective, and not allowing the event’s pressure to affect performance.
“You have to stick to your routine. That is easy to say now as I have never done it in such a big event but you have to stick to your routine and make the situation as normal as possible.
“I have asked team-mates questions like ‘what do you do when you can’t feel your arms on the first tee!?’ Sharing stories has been good.”
“Dream Come True”
Rookie golfer Ludvig Aberg described his Ryder Cup debut for Europe against the United States as a realization of a lifelong dream.
“If someone had told me a couple of months ago I would be here playing Ryder Cup I probably wouldn’t have believed them.
“But it’s really cool to be here. A dream come true. I try to play golf and hit as few shots as possible in every tournament I play.”
“Happy Where My Game Is”
Team Europe’s Shane Lowry expressed his readiness for the tournament and his confidence in making a positive contribution to his team.
“I feel at the Irish Open and at Wentworth that I played some of my best golf of the year. I am pretty happy with where my game is at this week.
“I always feel coming in here that I can add a lot to the team, not only on the course but in the team. I feel we have the 12 best players in Europe.”
He also states how the previous tournament in Whistling Straights has motivated him for this years edition.
“Whistling Straits was hard to take but quite motivating for me coming out of that and this week. Hopefully we can do a good job of winning that trophy back. I am here to win, even if I don’t play. It is going to be amazing.”
Memories Last a Lifetime
Team Europe’s Jon Rahm remarked that the tournament creates enduring memories that stay with you throughout your life.
“The greatest thing, apart from winning, is seeing great golfers come together, be a team and have a unique bond throughout the week. It truly changes the relationship as the memories you make last a lifetime and those friendships and bonds become stronger.”
Advice from Garcia and Poulter
Jon Rahm revealed that he has spoken to Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter ahead of the tournament.
“I did talk to Sergio, as recently as yesterday, and ask for advice. He told me a lot about what to do at Whistling Straits and Paris as well.
“I spoke to him and Ian Poulter as well. It is not going to be easy to take on their roles on and off the course. To hear what they thought was valuable information.”
“We’re Motivated”
Team Europe’s Viktor Hovland conveyed his team’s strong confidence and motivation to regain the Ryder Cup.
“You are here to perform for the team and after what happened two years ago we are pretty motivated to get the cup back for Europe.
“I feel like I am a lot more accomplished as a player. There is a confidence I can get out of any situation which is a turnaround from last time.”
“LIV Golfers Will Miss Being Involved”
Team Europe’s Rory McIlroy believes that those who have switched to LIV Golf may experience a stronger sense of longing for representing Team Europe more than the impact of their absence during the event.
“It’s certainly a little strange not having them around,” McIlroy said.
“But I think this week of all weeks, it’s going to hit home with them that they are not here.
“I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them, so it’s just more I think this week is a realisation that the decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough.”