Ryder Cup: Tearful Rory McIlroy says he 'should have done more' as Europe thrashed
- Published
An emotional Rory McIlroy said he wants to play in the Ryder Cup "for many years" despite Europe being hammered 19-9 by the United States in Wisconsin.
McIlroy famously said in 2009 "the Ryder Cup is not a huge goal of mine".
But he was in tears after realising his victory in Sunday's singles over Xander Schauffele - his only point of the week - would be part of a losing cause.
"I love being part of this team. I love my team-mates and I should have done more for them," he said.
"I am glad I got a point on the board for Europe but I just can't wait to get another shot at this.
"I have never really cried or got emotional over what I've done as an individual. I've said naive and stupid things in the past but this is by far the biggest tournament that we have in golf.
"You look at the crowds. You look at what it means, it's the best. I can't wait to be a part of many, many more Ryder Cups and be team-mates with some of these great guys and try to win many more."
The tearful Northern Irishman lost his foursomes and fourball matches on Friday before being left out of a session for the first time since making his Ryder Cup debut in 2010.
He missed Saturday's foursomes but returned to play in the later fourball session with Ian Poulter, but suffered a third defeat.
Europe captain Padraig Harrington put McIlroy out first in Sunday's 12 singles matches and the 32-year-old birdied the first and was never behind against Olympic champion Schauffele, eventually winning 3&2.
However, he was one of only three Europeans to win their singles match, along with veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, as the US dominated throughout to secure the largest winning margin since Europe joined the Ryder Cup in 1979.
"It is by far the best experience in golf and I hope the boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in this and the Solheim Cup because there is nothing better than being part of a team, especially with the bond we have in Europe," he added.
"No matter what happens after this I am proud of every single one of those players and our captain and vice-captains. I just wish I could have done a little more.
As he struggled to control his emotions, McIlroy continued: "This team, and what it feels like to be a part of, to see Sergio [Garcia] break records, to see Jon Rahm come into his own this week, to see one of my best friends, Shane Lowry, make his debut, it's phenomenal and I'm so happy to be a part of it."
"I don't think there's any greater privilege to be a part of one of these teams, European or American. It's an absolute privilege."
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