McIlroy plays down Tiger Woods' impact at Ryder Cup

Omnisports

September 23, 2016 12:24 AM

Rory McIlroy cannot see how Tiger Woods' presence can negatively impact the United States at the Ryder Cup.

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Just over a week out from the event, Lee Westwood said Woods – a USA vice-captain – could have an "adverse effect" on the team.

But McIlroy dismissed the Englishman's suggestions, insisting Woods' presence was unlikely to have a negative impact.

"One of the reasons Tiger announced last week he was hopeful of returning to competition next month was because he didn’t want it to get in the way of the US team," the Northern Irishman said, via the Daily Express.

"So I don't see him having any adverse effect on the Ryder Cup or the American team.

"The Ryder Cup is the Ryder Cup. It's a huge event and one person being there is not going to take away from what it is.

"From what I have heard, and I am close with a lot of the US guys on the team, they are saying Tiger has been on the phone every week, so he's really into it."

Europe are aiming to win the Ryder Cup for a fourth straight time when the event begins at Hazeltine on Sept. 30.

Omnisports

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