RORY MCILROY has called out European Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick for his drinking ability whilst also taking a dig at his love of numbers.
The Northern Irishman has been among those leading the celebrations after Sunday’s sensational victory at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy has been leading the Ryder Cup celebrations[/caption]
McIlroy recorded three wins for Europe and a points total of 3.5 that was only bettered by Tommy Fleetwood across the weekend.
He has since revelled in taking pot shots at the USA players, fans, and media but did not miss a chance to get one over Fitzpatrick either.
Speaking at a group press conference, Team Europe were drawn into discussing the best drinkers.
Tyrrell Hatton claimed that Sepp Straka “will stay undefeated” whilst Shane Lowry distanced himself from being able to handle alcohol like the others.
Straka himself put Hatton forwards, whilst McIlroy turned to Justin Rose as a dark horse.
Rose showed some embarrassment and admitted: “I got a bit scared of myself after 2018.”
Fitzpatrick had gone under the radar up to this point but McIlroy drew attention to him and, suggesting he prefers data to drinking, added: “Fitzy has to fill in his stat sheet from today.”
Referencing Fitzpatrick’s well-known love of data and shot tracking – he claims to have kept notes of every stroke in practice or competition since 2019 – McIlroy generated a loud set of laughter from the room.
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It wasn’t the first time he had been the centre of attention after admitting that he is “really f****** good” and calling out the abuse received by Europe’s players.
McIlroy was targeted along with the rest of his team and even asked several onlookers to be kicked out.
One was reported for homophobic shouts and others were picked up for putting players off during their backswing.
McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, was also subject to some of the cries from American fans.
The Masters champion hit back, saying: “What happened here this week is not acceptable. I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf.
“I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.”
He added: “Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.
“Sometimes this week we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”
