McIlory: Ryder Cup celebrations 'probably cost me' singles match
The Ryder Cup singles match between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed was one of the great moments in 2016.
McIlory had a 3-1 record heading into Sunday's showdown with Reed, and had come up clutch whenever European side needed it all week.
On the front nine of their match, McIllory and Reed went back and forth making great shots, while celebrating wildly and taunting each other in jest. The four-time major winner eventually lost a close battle to Reed, and believes those crazy celebrations played a role.
"I guess the lesson is that those exuberant celebrations - not just on the final day but the rest of the week as well - probably cost me a record I wanted to keep: I had never been beaten in a Ryder Cup singles," McIlroy told Paul Krimmage of the Independent.
"So personally that was the most disappointing thing. It was disappointing that we lost as a team but I definitely felt what I did on the front nine that day cost me that match. I got a little tired, a little mentally fatigued."
The Northern Irishman also discussed the Masters, where a win would complete his career grand slam. McIlroy came close in 2011, but collapsed while blowing a four-shot lead.
"It was like being hit by a punch," he said of those sudden struggles. "I was literally in a daze. I'm between those two cabins at the left of 10 and I don't know what to think. I'm like, 'What the f---is going on?' That was the start of it, but I think when it really was ... I hit two great shots into 11 and three-putted from, what, 12 feet? And then I four-putted on 12 and was just completely flustered."
McIllory is most often compared to the guy he grew up watching - Tiger Woods - because of their ability to block out distractions and remain in the zone, even when playing with friends. That tactic was displayed in the final round of the 2014 PGA Championship, when Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler were making a run in the group ahead. When there was a delay on the sixth hole, McIllory arrived at the tee to find Mickelson and Fowler chatting, but opted to sit on a bench and ignore both competitors.
"Yeah, I mean I would class Rickie as one of my closest friends on Tour, but this is the final round of a Major, and the boys are getting closer to me, and I've gone from having a one-shot lead to being tied or one behind. It's not a time to be talking about golf courses you've played or ... well, for me anyway. I'm in my own space, and I want my own thoughts."