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McIlroy defends controversial Ryder Cup comments

Rory McIlroy is expected to be paired with Graeme McDowell © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy has defended his controversial comments about the Ryder Cup by insisting that it is beneficial to downplay the tournament's significance.

The Ulsterman, who will compete in his first Ryder Cup when play begins at Celtic Manor on Friday, hinted last week that he was 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."

Although McIlroy has subsequently admitted that he regrets making those comments, he has been reluctant to distance himself from them entirely. "I think it's a good thing to downplay it, because it's such a big event," McIlroy said. "When you get here you realise how important it is and I don't want to let myself down and I don't want to let anyone else down this week."

There are signs that McIlroy is getting caught up in the Ryder Cup fever currently enveloping Wales, however. "Monty gave a great speech last night in the team room which was really inspirational and got everyone going," he said. "He said a few words and that started the week off on the right foot."

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old risked handing Tiger Woods further motivation by declaring that the world No. 1 has lost some of his aura following a difficult spell. Woods has endured some erratic form since returning to golf in April, and is yet to claim a title this year.

"After what's happened in the last 18 months - he's still a fantastic guy and I'm sure he'll get back to it - but for the meantime I suppose a little bit of that aura has probably gone," he said.

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