Rory McIlroy lets Team USA know what he thinks after they make major Ryder Cup blunder

The American Ryder Cup team have given Europe an early lift ahead of Bethpage Black by selling a t-shirt that appears to feature the silhouette of Rory McIlroy.

Although it's not definitively McIlroy's likeness, it was similar enough that the Northern Irishman was questioned about it. He said: "It looks more like Adam Scott than me, but yeah, it looks a little similar, I don't know."

When asked how he would feel about American fans potentially wearing it at Bethpage Black when the competition begins on 26 September, McIlroy said: "That's okay. That's fine. I won't mind that!"

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy to follow advice Roger Federer after dropping latest retirement hint

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy fires fierce four-word Ryder Cup message after $1m win

An insider from the PGA Tour told The Telegraph (via The Mirror US): "Rory even inspires the American team. The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it."

The 2025 Ryder Cup will hardly be McIlroy's first time in the competition. He's competed seven times before, securing victories in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023.

Despite entering the 2025 tournament as the reigning champions and being highly favoured by some pundits, McIlroy confessed he believes the Europeans are the underdogs. And it's an understandable view given 13 years have passed since he was part of the last visiting team to triumph on US soil.

"It's a really tall task, but not an insurmountable one," he recently told reporters. "I think there is an opportunity there, but we have to get the planning right

"We have to make sure we're all ready for what lies ahead, but I think [captain] Luke Donald's got everything under control, and I'm sure he's thought of every single scenario, so I think we're good in that department."

McIlroy has enjoyed a brilliant year. He secured three PGA Tour victories: the Pebble Beach Pro Am, the Players Championship, and The Masters, a triumph that enabled him to complete his career Grand Slam.

At the weekend, the Northern Irishman captured the Amgren Irish Open on the European Tour. And he revealed after that result this particular win held special significance for him.

"To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that's a pretty cool year," he said. "2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.

"As I said, we're not finished yet. I've got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone's looking forward to the Ryder Cup. I'm just so happy my game's in good shape. I feel like I'm playing well. Excited for what's coming up."