Fri Sep 12 10:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Team Europe Faces Uphill Battle at Ryder Cup Despite Familiar Faces, Says McIlroy**

**Wentworth, UK -** Despite fielding a team remarkably similar to their victorious 2023 squad, Rory McIlroy believes Team Europe will enter the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black as underdogs. McIlroy made the comments on a recent Sky Sports Golf podcast, recorded at Wentworth ahead of the BMW PGA Championship.

Speaking alongside fellow Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm, McIlroy acknowledged the challenge of winning on American soil. While acknowledging Europe’s experience, with 11 of the 12 players from their Rome victory returning under Captain Luke Donald, McIlroy maintained that Team USA will be the favourites.

“I do think we’re still underdogs,” McIlroy stated. “I think it’s a really tall task, but not an insurmountable one.”

Team Europe is set to visit Bethpage Black next week for a two-day practice session following the BMW PGA Championship. Sepp Straka will join the team after missing the tournament due to the birth of his child. Players will then have the rest of the week to rest and prepare.

Fleetwood expressed optimism about the team’s continuity. With only one change to the lineup (Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his brother Nicolai), Fleetwood hopes the existing team connection will provide an advantage. “To have us all together, to have that experience, to have like the team connection that we had last time moving on to this one. Hopefully it will serve as a good thing for us,” Fleetwood said.

The Ryder Cup will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from September 26-28. Sky Sports will provide round-the-clock coverage throughout the week.

Read More