Rory McIlroy believes he now has the experience to be a key part of Jose Maria Olazabal’s team as Europe attempt to retain the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy qualified for the team in first place thanks to his win at the recent USPGA Championship, a victory which took him back to the top of the world rankings.
The match at Medinah, which Europe are 11/8 with bookmaker to win, will only be the Northern Irishman’s second appearance in the Ryder Cup after making his debut at Celtic Manor two years ago.
McIlroy said: “If you really feel strongly about something in the team room, you’ve got to stand up and speak. It’s just being confident, having self-belief and a good attitude.
“I know there are a lot of older guys than me on the European team, but I feel like I’m in a position where I’d be one of the leaders. If I feel something strongly, I’ll voice that.”
McIlroy is 10/1 to win the Deutsche Bank Championship, the second event of four in the FedEx Cup play-off series.
