Rory McIlroy reveals who he wants to win Presidents Cup as USA face Internationals

Rory McIlroy has made his Presidents Cup preference clear — and it is not good news for Brandt Snedeker's United States team.

As the Americans prepare to face Geoff Ogilvy's International side at Medinah this week, McIlroy will be keeping a close eye on proceedings from afar.

Despite having a home in the United States, the Northern Irishman admitted he would love to see the Internationals pull off a rare victory and round off a difficult month for American teams.

“I honestly didn't [watch much of the Solheim Cup], but obviously a great result for the European side, after what we did in Bethpage, what the Walker Cup guys did,” McIlroy said. 

“All we need now is the Internationals to do it in a couple of weeks. That would be great.”

It was a typically revealing response from the 37-year-old, who was speaking during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where he was chasing another strong finish and continuing his bid to win the Race to Dubai for a joint record eighth time. 

McIlroy ultimately finished runner-up in Surrey, but his comments provided an interesting sideshow ahead of this week's Presidents Cup.

The United States have historically dominated the contest, winning 13 of the 15 Presidents Cups since the event began in 1994, with one tie and just one International victory back in 1998. 

That dominance means Ogilvy's side will have history firmly against them when they tee it up at Medinah.

However, American teams have endured a more difficult time in other major international team competitions.

Europe have won nine of the last 12 Ryder Cups, while the Americans also suffered setbacks in the Solheim Cup and Walker Cup earlier this month.

McIlroy was particularly aware of the sequence of results, having been part of Europe's Ryder Cup success at Bethpage.

The grand slam champion received verbal abuse and insults, along with his wife Erica, during the three-day contest in New York. 

The Presidents Cup represents the next opportunity for the United States to stop the run, although McIlroy will be hoping the Internationals can extend it instead.

McIlroy's interest will be especially intriguing given his connection to the United States. 

He has spent considerable time living and playing there during his PGA Tour career. 

But when it comes to the Presidents Cup, where no Europeans are involved, his allegiance appears firmly settled.

With Snedeker leading a United States side seeking to regain momentum ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup, and Ogilvy attempting to produce only the second International victory in Presidents Cup history, McIlroy knows exactly which result he wants to see at Medinah.

For McIlroy, another American defeat would be the perfect way to cap September and build even more momentum towards the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.