By Aaron Morris

Copyright belfastlive

Rory McIlroy is a golfer with a “big personality” both on and off the course according to Paul McGinley. The 36-year-old is currently gearing up to defend Team Europe’s Ryder Cup title at Bethpage Black this weekend under captain Luke Donald. And McIlroy’s attitude and work ethic could be a significant asset for his team – which also includes players like Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland – as they strive to secure victory in the prestigious competition, reports the Express . McGinley said of the Holywood -born star on Sky Sports : “He’s a player that has got a big personality behind the scenes, as well as a personality on the golf course. He’s a guy that has really bought in more to this Ryder Cup over the years, I think it’s fair to say that. “He won four out of five points in Rome, that’s pretty good. His record at the moment stands at 55 per cent – it’ll be better than that by the time he finishes his career. He’s on the march with this. “And one thing about Rory you’ve got to really admire is when he puts a goal out there that he really wants to do, he generally achieves it.” Far from being a newcomer to the Ryder Cup, 2025 will mark the eighth consecutive appearance for McIlroy at the esteemed tournament – a streak that dates back to his 2010 debut at Celtic Manor Resort. Alongside his teammates, he has also clinched the title five times, and played a significant role in Team Europe’s win at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome two years ago. McIlroy secured four points from five matches at the tournament as Europe emerged victorious with a score of 16.5-11.5. Following an exceptional season on the PGA Tour and in major competitions, golf enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic are hoping for more of the same from McIlroy as the 2025 Ryder Cup kicks off at Bethpage Black on Friday morning. A win for Europe would also come as the first away team win since the Miracle at Medinah of 2012. The seasoned pro has triumphed three times on the PGA Tour this year, winning the ATandT Pebble Beach Pro-Am , the Players Championship and the Irish Open , as well as completing the Career Grand Slam by finally donning the Green Jacket of the Masters in April. However, he is set to face fierce competition from a boisterous New York crowd rooting for Team USA this weekend, not to mention the challenge of outperforming some of America’s top players on the greens and fairways of the course. Nonetheless, Jaime Diaz believes that McIlroy should have no trouble maintaining his cool and composure amidst a sea of hecklers. The experienced golf journalist said: “With reference to the Irish Open, that was very revitalising, got him out of that funk. And now here we are and I think it’s just an experience to see he’s about relationships, he’s about the love of competing, and he’s set the goal of, ‘Let’s win an away Ryder Cup’. “But at the same time, it’s small-scale to me – a small-scale goal. If he doesn’t get it, it’s okay, and honestly, as much as we have all this build-up, Europe doesn’t really have that much to lose. They are the away team. “If they lose, it’s not going to change the stature of the Ryder Cup or their stature as a team. To me, Rory will be a lightning rod for the fans. I don’t think he’ll rise to the bait. “I think he’s going to stay above the fray, because he doesn’t want another occurrence like Rome and I think that’ll be better for his concentration and just for his experience. And then when this is all over, he can savour this great year and really look at it in the long view.”