Keegan Bradley reacts to Rory McIlroy’s bold remarks about Team Europe at the Ryder Cup

In Napa on Wednesday, Bradley spoke to the media ahead of the Procore Championship, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The American captain was asked whether McIlroy’s comments about Europe expecting to win at Bethpage had added any extra pressure to his players.

He then responded: “To be honest with you, I really don’t care what they’re doing, I really don’t care what team Europe does. All I know is that they have – you know, when I look at their team I see maybe the best European Ryder Cup team ever. They’re really deep top to bottom.

“They’ve got major champions, Rory’s playing, having an historical year. But I really, I don’t care what Europe is doing, I only care about our 12 guys, our caddies, the wives. I only care about what we’re doing.

“They’re a confident group, they should be. They won the last Ryder Cup, their team is solid. Luke Donald is maybe the best captain ever, somebody that I’ve always looked up to. So they should be confident but I’m not really – I really don’t care what they say about us, I only care about our team.

“It’s great, it’s fun. I think the Ryder Cup brings out a lot of emotion in people and I think that’s great for our sport. I love it, I love everything about the Ryder Cup. It’s just the passion, you know? Like Rory cares about the Ryder Cup just as much as he cares about winning the Masters or winning a major, which is the way it should be, it’s awesome.”

The US captain and his squad appear fully focused and ready for what is ahead – and McIlroy’s words will probably only add more fuel to their fire.

Looking back at Rory McIlroy’s post-Rome comments

Europe cruised to a 16.5-11.5 win in Rome two years ago, taking control early and never letting go.

During the celebration, McIlroy delivered a remarkably bold vow, guaranteeing himself significant attention from the American fans.

“I’ve said this for probably six or seven years to anyone who will listen, I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf is winning an away Ryder Cup and that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage.“

No matter how strongly he believes it, those words might come back to haunt him.

The Northern Irishman has unduly complicated matters for his team, placing unnecessary pressure on the European players.

You can be sure Bradley and his squad are using it as motivation ahead of what is shaping up to be a hostile environment.