The USA are Ryder Cup favourites, but the Northern Irishman is the planet's in-form player after his Tour Championship victory...
Davis Love III has not been shy about talking up his American side in the build-up to the Ryder Cup.
“This is the best golf team maybe ever assembled,” he said last week.
“If we just go play our game, ignore the noise, work hard, do your job, everything else will take care of itself.”
Maybe so. But in Rory McIlroy, Europe certainly have the best player.
The Northern Irishman was at his brilliant best at the Tour Championship this weekend, finishing with rounds of 66 and 64 to lift the trophy via a three-hole play-off.
Sunday’s effort was remarkable, especially considering it was the second time in three starts McIlroy had come from behind on the final day to win.
His performance at East Lake trumped the win at the Deutsche Bank Championship, thanks to the number of incredible shots he hit over the final six holes.
The first, and certainly most spectacular, came when he was trailing by three on the 16th and in need of something special to catch Ryan Moore and Kevin Chappell.
His 137-yard eagle was simply stunning, and the fiery celebration that followed was foreboding with Hazeltine less than a week away.
A precise bunker shot then gave him a two-foot putt for a birdie on the 18th, ensuring a play-off would decide the winner of the tournament, FedEx Cup and $10m bonus.
Spectacular approach play in the subsequent three holes – including an improvisational punch under a tree and over the water at 18 – completed a phenomenal display of shot-making.
It was a reminder that McIlroy remains the most talented player in golf at his peak, even in what has been a difficult year for the 27-year-old.
The Irish Open in May was his only European or PGA Tour victory prior to the PGA Tour’s end-of-season play-offs.
His best form has returned now, though, and with it, the swagger that makes him such a formidable match play opponent.
Europe remain clear Ryder Cup underdogs, and while many have laughed off Love’s comments, the USA are supremely confident of securing their first win since 2008.
Johnny Miller, a two-time winner of the event, says the European side is “the worst team in many years”.
McIlroy’s revival has changed the complexion of the tournament, though.
He is currently playing at a higher level than any of the Americans and taking on shots that no other player dares risk.
The world No. 3 is at his best when playing confidently and aggressively, and showed that ruthless streak in the play-off at East Lake.
He never looked like losing.
If the showdown with Moore – who was chosen as Love’s final captain’s pick – was an Hazeltine appetiser, the early advantage is with the Europeans.
Darren Clarke’s side may be outsiders, but that label will not sit well with a group that features the Masters, Open and Olympic champions.
That’s not to forget the FedEx Cup winner.
McIlroy is primed, yet again, to play an integral role for Europe.
