Rory McIlroy Singled Out by Tommy Fleetwood for Annoying Behavior Hours Before Ryder Cup

Tommy Fleetwood didn’t hesitate when asked to name the noisiest player on Team Europe. “I’d probably give Rory that mantelpiece,” he said with a grin during his Ryder Cup press conference. The playful jab came alongside glowing praise.

Fleetwood called Rory McIlroy “one of, if not the greatest players of our generation,” and described the chance to partner with him at Bethpage Black as “a privilege.” He highlighted how Rory’s energy fuels the team, saying he would gladly “support him and be a good partner” if paired together.

McIlroy is used to being a lightning rod. A four-time major champion with a 16-13-4 Ryder Cup record, he often draws the loudest cheers and jeers, especially on U.S. soil where Europe hasn’t won since 2012. Past confrontations, like his heated 2023 exchange with Joe LaCava, prove how quickly attention follows him.

Fleetwood also noted how European pairings now blend analytics with chemistry, but insisted camaraderie is Europe’s real strength. His comments echo Captain Luke Donald’s emphasis on unity, even as the squad trains with VR headsets to simulate hostile American crowds. By handing Rory the “noisy” crown, Fleetwood captured what Europe counts on: McIlroy’s voice, presence, and fire turning pressure into fuel.