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'Ryder Cup the best tournament in the world' - McIlroy

Rory McIlroy does not want to miss a Ryder Cup for the next 20 years © PA Photos

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Rory McIlroy officially confirmed he is a Ryder Cup convert, and he is adamant there is no way he will put himself in a position where he misses out on the next cross-continent encounter in two years' time.

McIlroy, who crucially halved his singles match with Stewart Cink on the final day of Europe's fascinating 14½-13½ victory, had stated in the build-up to the Ryder Cup that he would prefer to win a major. In an effort to play down the importance of the biennial event, the youngster was even quoted labelling the Ryder Cup an 'exhibition'.

"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 two weeks ago. "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, after watching good friend Graeme McDowell hole a magnificent putt at the 16th that effectively clinched the trophy, McIlroy admits his comments were naive. And, unlike Justin Rose and Paul Casey, the 21-year-old insists there is not a chance that he will allow himself to miss the repeat in two years' time.

"This has been the best week of my golfing life, by far," McIlroy said in the Daily Telegraph. "It's been absolutely incredible. To share every moment with these guys up on stage, it's just been fantastic.

"And you know, I'm still very, very young, and I don't want to miss a Ryder Cup for the next 20 years. I certainly don't want to be watching the in two years' time on telly."

Lee Westwood taunted his colleague, saying, "it's the best exhibition, isn't it?"

And McIlroy, who needed a nerveless five-foot putt at the last against Cink, replied: "It's been fantastic. You know, I realise now what the Ryder Cup means and how much it means to everyone, and I'm a big fan. And you know, I truly believe that this is the best golf tournament in the world."

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