McIlroy under pressure as competitor eyes top spot | Golf News

In an interview with Golf Digest, Penge, who is McIlroy’s nearest competitor, shared: “Once I didn’t qualify for the Ryder Cup, then I think I played Irish Open and I thought, now my goal is to catch Rory.

“That aim is type of over in a means. But now that I’ve gained in Spain – and obtained back in the combo – I’m attempting to win this week or next week or just play as good as I can and see where that ends up.”, reviews the Express.

On the prospect of competing against McIlroy in the DP World Tour playoffs, he added: “I do know on Thursday morning when I step on the tee I’m going to have some adrenaline because I’m enjoying with one of the best gamers in the world for the first time. I do not assume I’m going to be too nervous. It’s purely the adrenaline, related to how I felt during the play-off at the Spanish Open. I’ve obtained a lot of issues in place to put together for that.

“Fully aware of it already in my head that that’s how I’m going to feel. But I clarified with my psychologist that I tend to play my best golf when I feel like that.

“It’s nothing to be scared of. I just need to benefit from the second and benefit from the expertise, being in this place and enjoying with the top gamers of the world.”

After being left out by Team Europe captain Luke Donald, Penge hinted he might have made the cut if the tournament was being held somewhere in Europe, rather than New York. Of Donald’s 12 selections for Bethpage Black, 11 had been part of the winning team in Italy in 2023. Penge took the decision in stride – though he did share his perspective.

He told Sky Sports: “I really feel that if it was a home Ryder Cup, then I might need obtained in. But I completely perceive that goes to be actually powerful for the boys over there with the crowds and stuff.

“So I understand why Luke wanted to take all his experienced players – and there are no hard feelings there.”