Wyndham Clark calls out Rory McIlroy ahead of Ryder Cup: "I am better than him"

Wyndham Clark says he believes he is better at golf than Rory McIlroy and wants to prove it by defeating the Northern Irishman at the Ryder Cup.

Ben Smith

22 Sep 2023

Wyndham Clark calls out Rory McIlroy ahead of Ryder Cup: "I am better than him" — Wyndham Clark calls out Rory McIlroy ahead of Ryder Cup: "I am better than…

Wyndham Clark says he has the 'utmost respect' for Rory McIlroy but believes he's a better player.

In comments that will undoubtedly get the juices of the Northern Irishman flowing, Clark said he wants to prove he's better than the four-time major champion by defeating him in the singles at the forthcoming Ryder Cup.

Clark - who revealed earlier in the week he was given an ultimatum by his caddie and agent - told Golf Channel the showdown against the Ulsterman would be a 'David and Goliath' battle.

He said: "I have the utmost respect for Rory - he is one of our great ambassadors of our game. He is obviously one of the best of all time and he is still going so he can be that."

Clark continued:

"I have tons of respect for Rory and because of that respect, I also want to beat him. I like to think I am better than him and I want to prove that. I would love to play Rory - I think that would be really fun for the fans too. Long-ball hitters. We have similar games in that respect.

"It would be a little bit of David and Goliath. I am hoping to get that chance. Regardless of who I play, I am really excited. But That one would be a lot of fun."

The 29-year-old, who won the U.S. Open in June, didn't just go after McIlroy in the short interview.

He claimed Luke Donald's Europe 'might be a little gassed' after all 12 players on the European team competed at the BMW PGA Championship.

Robert MacIntyre is also playing the French Open at Le Golf National.

The majority of the U.S. team will be well rested having not played competitive golf since the Tour Championship.

Brooks Koepka will play LIV Golf Chicago then will head straight to Rome.

"I like to think we are going to be really fresh," said Clark. "The guys on the European team played all of the playoffs and played one or two more events."