
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — A joyous mood undoubtedly played a role, but there is no denying Rory McIlroy’s moxie. He threw down the challenge to his European Ryder Cup teammates in the glory of victory in Rome two years ago and never backed off from it.
McIlroy will be making his eighth Ryder Cup appearance when the biennial competition begins Friday at Bethpage Black, a venue known for its boisterous crowds during three previous major championships here. McIlroy will once again be a central figure for Europe’s challenge in this intense competition.