Rory McIlroy Gives Nod to Potential Ryder Cup Underdog
It's no secret that Rory McIlroy is a powerful voice on the European side of the Ryder Cup. For this reason, his every word on the matter resonates throughout the golf world, and if it bears a player's name, even more so.
That's exactly what happened after the second round of the BMW Championship, with several potential European Ryder Cup team members controlling the top of the leaderboard. McIlroy expressed his satisfaction with players like Robert MacIntyre, Viktor Hovland, and Ludvig Aberg, but took the opportunity to mention one who may not be in many people's plans.
"It's good to see Bob (MacIntyre), Ludvig (Aberg), Viktor Hovland), Tommy (Fleetwood), even Harry Hall, that maybe got a chance to play in the team. Yeah, it bodes well for a few weeks' time."
Regarding Hall, he added: "I played with Harry in his first start as a pro at the Dunhill Links a few years ago. I know him a little bit. Really nice player, great rhythm to his golf swing, and he's sort of done it a different way. He went over to UNLV (University of Nevada-Las Vegas) and did it that way. But he's become a very consistent player, so we'll see what happens."
Rory McIlory of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 18th hole watched by his playing partner Harry Hall of England on the 18th hole during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links...
Rory McIlory of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 18th hole watched by his playing partner Harry Hall of England on the 18th hole during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course at St Andrews on September 29, 2019 in St Andrews, United Kingdom. MoreHall started the third round of the BMW Championship tied for eighth with a score of 5-under. The Englishman is currently ranked 19th in the European Ryder Cup Team rankings, so a strong result at Caves Valley would put him squarely in the conversation for Luke Donald's free picks.
Hall has two more chances to continue earning points and move even closer to a spot on the team. His performance at the BMW Championship is poised to take him to the PGA Tour's Tour Championship for the first time in his career. Two weeks later, he will play the DP World Tour's British Masters, which closes the eligibility period for the European team.
After this iconic tournament hosted by Nick Faldo at The Belfry, the six direct qualifiers will be determined. Shortly following, Donald is expected to announce his six free picks.
Hall owes his current status as a Ryder Cup contender to his strong season on the PGA Tour. In 23 tournaments, he has only missed three cuts, with 13 top-25 finishes and four top-10s. His best result of the year so far has been a T6 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Hall has never played in the Ryder Cup, although he has experience in team events, having played in the Arnold Palmer Cup and the Walker Cup during his amateur career. He has played professionally since 2019 and on the PGA Tour since 2023, where his best result is one win.
More Golf: Scottie Scheffler shows his edge amid 'ridiculous' Ryder Cup questions
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