Ryder Cup: Shane Lowry hopes for Rory McIlroy pairing as Jon Rahm seeks Sergio Garcia’s advice

Luke Donald’s Team Europe will be looking to regain the Ryder Cup on home soil in Rome after a record-breaking defeat to Team USA in 2021; watch live 24 hours a day on Fridays from 6am on Sky Sports Golf

Shane Lowry would like the chance to compete alongside Rory McIlroy in the Ryder Cup this week, but insists the team has not yet been informed of the pairings for the opening day.

Lowry made his European debut in a record-setting loss at Whistling Straits in 2021, recording one point from three matches as Team USA romped to a 19-9 win.

The former major champion teamed up with McIlroy in the Friday Fourballs two years ago, where they were defeated 4 and 3 by Tony Finau and Harris English, with Lowry keen to avenge that loss if they were selected together again at the Marco this week Simone Golf Club in Rome.

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We explain why the Ryder Cup opening hole is ‘unique’ and what players will expect at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club

“Obviously Rory (McIlroy) and I are good friends so I think we would love to play together and we would love to go there at some point,” Lowry said during his pre-tournament press conference.

“We probably feel we didn’t do ourselves justice in the four-ball game at Whistling Straits and I think we might like the chance to give it another go and get a point this time.”

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Rory McIlroy gets the biggest cheers as the players take to the course at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club for practice ahead of the Ryder Cup

Lowry – the captain’s choice for Luke Donald’s side after failing to qualify automatically – played alongside McIlroy, Sepp Straka and Tommy Fleetwood in Tuesday’s practice round, although he admits he is unsure if he will get the chance this week to take on the Northern Irishman. .

“I honestly don’t know yet what’s going to happen on Friday and Saturday,” Lowry added. “We haven’t been told yet. We’re going to play together and we’re going to play in the next few days and I’m sure we’ll find out soon, but of course it would be fun.

“Look, everyone would want to play with Rory (McIlroy). He’s one of the best players in the world. He’s one of the best players in my opinion, he’s already one of the top players of all time and he’s not done yet. , it would be fun to go out with him.’

Rahm reveals Garcia conversation ahead of Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm is looking to fill the void left by the absence of some Ryder Cup stalwarts after speaking to two Team Europe veterans this week.

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Jon Rahm says he sought advice from Ryder Cup veterans Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter, with both players losing the tournament following their decision to join LIV Golf

Five of the 2021 Ryder Cup lineups have joined the LIV Golf League and are ineligible for this year’s competition, along with stalwarts Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell, making Rahm one of the more experienced members of the team.

Rahm has sought advice from Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia during his past Ryder Cup appearances, with the Spaniard revealing he has spoken to both in the build-up to this year’s event.

“I talked to him (Garcia) and asked for advice,” Rahm said. “He showed me a lot of what to do in Whistling Straits and of course in Paris, but I did talk to him and Poulter a bit.

“Not that it will be easy to take on the role those two played both on and off the golf course, but just to hear them talk about what they thought and what they felt is obviously invaluable information. (The conversation with) Poulter was a little longer than last week. Sergio just as recently as yesterday.”

Live coverage of the opening day of the Ryder Cup starts from 6am on Friday on Sky Sports Golf. There will also be live content every day leading up to the tournament. Stream the PGA Tour, DP Tour, Ryder Cup and more NOW.