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McIlroy unconvinced by Ryder Cup hype

Rory McIlroy: 'I always had a putt to win the Masters or the Open - it's just the way I feel' © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy is refusing to get carried away by the hype surrounding the Ryder Cup, claiming he would rather win a world championship event than play his part in a victorious European team.

The 21-year-old makes his Ryder Cup debut at Celtic Manor next Friday, and admits he is feeling underwhelmed by the historic competition.

"If somebody asks me whether I'd rather sink the winning putt in the Ryder Cup or win a major, it's the major every day," McIlroy said in The Independent. "World championship or Ryder Cup? Win a world championship.

"At the end of the day you're going to be remembered for what you achieve in an individual sport. When I was a kid growing up practising I never had a putt to win the Ryder Cup. I always had a putt to win the Masters or the Open - it's just the way I feel."

However, McIlroy's friend and countryman Graeme McDowell believes his fellow Northern Irishman will change his perceptions about the 83-year-old competition when he steps out onto the course at Celtic Manor on October 1.

"Rory is an extremely ambitious kid and he's all about major championships and WGCs," McDowell told Talksport.

"I think he'll have a different respect for the Ryder Cup next weekend when he gets out there. I'm hoping to play with him in a few matches and when he gets out there next weekend and feels it and understands it - it's just something a bit special.

"Money aside, obviously we don't get paid a penny, the Ryder Cup is just such a special, special event and it's always been something that's pretty close to my heart. I think when Rory gets out there and feels it next week he'll maybe have a different view on it."

McIlroy was quick to clarify his comments, claiming he is looking to replicate the form that helped him win four out of five points for Britain and Ireland against Continental Europe in the Vivendi Trophy last year.

"Next week is going to be fantastic," McIlroy said. "It's definitely not an exhibition, it's a great spectacle. I said exhibition last year when I was not focused on a team event.

"I sort of forgot how good it [Vivendi Trophy] was. We won and it was great to share the win with 11 other guys."

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