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Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup history: Record, highlights, more on Team Europe veteran’s time at event

Rory McIlroy has become a mainstay for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup.

The Irish golf star and former world No. 1 has enjoyed plenty of individual success in his career, including five major championships and a career grand slam. But even in golf’s rare team-based event with the Ryder Cup, McIlroy has had a knack for winning.

Now a veteran of the Ryder Cup rosters, McIlroy made his debut in the tournament in 2010.

Here’s what to know about Rory McIlroy’s history in the Ryder Cup.

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How many Ryder Cups has Rory McIlroy played in?

McIlroy has appeared in seven previous Ryder Cups, with the 2025 tournament being his eighth. On the 2025 Ryder Cup squads, he is the most experienced player on either side, with Justin Rose’s seven Ryder Cup appearances coming second.

McIlroy was a member of the winning European squads in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2023. He made his debut in the Ryder Cup in 2010 as an automatic qualifier.

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Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup history 

Here’s a look at McIlroy’s seven previous Ryder Cup appearances:

Year Winner Rory McIlroy’s Overall Points
2023 Europe (16.5-11.5) 4
2021 U.S. (19-9) 1
2018 Europe (17.5-11.5) 2
2016 U.S. (17-11) 3
2014 Europe (16.5-11.5) 3
2012 Europe (14.5-13.5) 3
2010 Europe (14.5-13.5) 2

In his Ryder Cup debut in 2010, McIlroy tied his Sunday singles match against Stewart Cink. He helped Europe to regain the cup by a final score of 14.5–13.5.

Later on, McIlroy reflected on his debut in the tournament by noting that he no longer considered it an exhibition, as he had said a few years prior.

“It’s tribal, and it’s us verus them, and you want to get that Ryder Cup back on European soil” McIlroy said. 

In 2012, McIlroy returned to the Ryder Cup after topping the qualification standings. Europe pulled off a comeback victory as McIlroy picked up three points. However, the biggest story with the Irishman was how he famously had to be escorted to the greens by a police officer following a mix-up with his tee time. He arrived about 10 minutes before tee time.

McIlroy and Team Europe were back on top in 2014, as he played in all five sessions and recorded three points. He did the same in 2016, but this time it wasn’t enough at the U.S. came out on top. All three of McIlroy’s points in 2016 came when he was matched up against Thomas Pieters.

He and Patrick Reed had a dramatic sequence on Sunday that year as well:

A fired-up McIlroy returned in 2018, visibly yelling “I can’t putt?” while adding some some more nice shots. However, the U.S. won that year as McIlroy totaled two points.

In 2021, McIlroy was emotional after a singles victory over Xander Schauffele.

“I’ve been extremely disappointed that I haven’t contributed more for the team. … it’s been a tough week,” McIlroy. “It’s the best event in golf. … I love being a part of it.”

Finally, in 2023, McIlroy had his best Ryder Cup performance yet to lead Team Europe to a victory. He was the top points scorer with a 4-1-0 record, including his win in a Sunday singles match against Sam Burns.

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Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup record 

  • Individual Record: 16-13-4
  • Team Europe Record With Rory McIlroy: 5-2

McIlroy has found plenty of success in the Ryder Cup, helping Europe claim five victories while losing two over his seven appearances.

On an individual level, McIlroy has put up 18 points for Europe, which includes 6 in four-ball, 7.5 in foursomes and 4.5 in singles.

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