McIlroy sets sights on one day becoming Ryder Cup captain ahead of India debut

Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 golfer and current Masters champion, has expressed his ambition to one day captain the European Ryder Cup team, though he believes this role is still a decade away. Speaking in New Delhi during his first tournament in India, McIlroy reflected on his recent success in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup by defeating the United States in New York last month. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman, who has participated in the last eight Ryder Cups, emphasized his desire to lead the team in the mid-2030s, after continuing to play at the highest level for several more years. McIlroy praised past captains like Paul McGinley and Luke Donald, under whom he has played, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from their leadership. However, he acknowledged the challenges of the role, particularly in light of the intense atmosphere and occasional hostility from American spectators during the recent Ryder Cup. McIlroy lamented that the focus on the event’s controversies overshadowed Europe’s historic victory as the first team to win an away Ryder Cup since 2012. He urged fans to remember the team’s exceptional performance and the pride he felt in being part of such a successful campaign. Beyond the Ryder Cup, McIlroy is expanding his international presence, with upcoming tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Australian Open. He expressed enthusiasm for playing in new locations and connecting with diverse audiences, though he admitted disappointment at missing the chance to attend a cricket match during his visit to India, a sport he passionately follows.