Justin Rose recently acknowledged Rory McIlroy’s official selection as the first member of Team Europe for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Rose’s recognition highlights McIlroy’s impressive journey this year, which contributed to his strong standing in the Ryder Cup rankings.
McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer, claimed two PGA Tour wins earlier this year and secured his position as the sixth career Grand Slam winner. While his 2025 U.S. Open performance fell short of expectations, his prior successes cemented his automatic qualification as Team Europe’s leading player.
Current Standings Highlight McIlroy’s Leadership Role in Ryder Cup Europe
Rory McIlroy is firmly at the top of the Ryder Cup Europe points list with 3040.95 points, more than double the tally of his closest rival, Tyrrell Hatton, who holds 1216.55 points. Other notable players ranked behind McIlroy include Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, and Sepp Straka.
Justin Rose, despite efforts following his runner-up finish at the 2025 Masters, has dropped in the standings due to a combination of one withdrawal and three missed cuts. Currently ranked ninth with 886.84 points, Rose falls outside the automatic qualification positions, which include the top six players.
The full Ryder Cup Europe team rankings currently are:
- 1. Rory McIlroy – 3040.95 points
- 2. Tyrrell Hatton – 1216.55 points
- 3. Shane Lowry – 1186.51 points
- 4. Robert MacIntyre – 1176.23 points
- 5. Sepp Straka – 1130.73 points
- 6. Rasmus Hojgaard – 1072.33 points
- 7. Tommy Fleetwood – 976.43 points
- 8. Ludvig Åberg – 888.23 points
- 9. Justin Rose – 886.84 points
Rose’s Reflections on McIlroy’s Performance at Augusta This Year
This year, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy shared a notable competition at Augusta National Golf Club, where McIlroy triumphed in a sudden death playoff. Despite narrowly missing out on the green jacket, Rose praised McIlroy’s skill and presence on the course with admiration.
“He’s captivating to watch. He’s a great player.” —Justin Rose, PGA Tour pro
“He plays with so much style and charisma and flair, I suppose. And you never quite know as well, because, you know, he’s made a few mistakes under pressure. So people, you know, they want to kind of like keep watching.” —Justin Rose, PGA Tour pro
Rose maintained his respect for McIlroy throughout the Masters Tournament, highlighting the competitive yet respectful nature of their rivalry.
Past Contributions and Expectations for This Ryder Cup Season
In the 2023 Ryder Cup, Justin Rose played a solid role in Team Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory over Team USA. He compiled a 1-1-1 record, which included a singles match loss to Patrick Cantlay. Meanwhile, McIlroy excelled by contributing four points with a 4-1-0 record, including a flawless singles match.
As the Ryder Cup approaches at Bethpage Black, Rory McIlroy’s leadership position is seen as pivotal for Team Europe’s chances. Rose’s endorsement and McIlroy’s performance set the tone for a highly competitive tournament, underscoring the importance of strong leadership and consistent play for Europe’s success in this prestigious event.