USA star sends pointed Ryder Cup message after brash Rory McIlroy claim

Wyndham Clark has wasted no time in stoking the fires of competition ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup, following his pivotal role in Team USA’s recent triumph at the Presidents Cup. The United States dominated their international rivals, securing an 18.5-11.5 victory, and Clark was a standout figure, contributing significantly to the win.

Known for his confident and spirited approach, Clark, the reigning US Open champion, delivered one of the more memorable moments of the tournament when he taunted South Korea’s Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim with a brash “Nighty-night, boys” after they were defeated on the final hole by Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

With the victory in Montreal fresh on his mind, Clark turned his focus toward next year’s Ryder Cup, already issuing a playful warning to Team Europe. Reflecting on the unity and camaraderie within the American squad under captain Jim Furyk, Clark sent a pointed message to their European rivals.

“We are a very close team,” Clark said confidently. “Contrary to what people thought last year at the Ryder Cup, we were, in my opinion, closer than the Europeans. The media tries to divide us, but this year we were just as close, if not closer. We had so much camaraderie and positive energy between us. When things weren’t going well, we were still picking each other up. It was an amazing team room, filled with laughs and fond memories.”

Clark’s remarks referenced the narrative that Team USA lacked unity during last year’s Ryder Cup, where they fell 16.5-11.5 to Europe in Rome. Luke Donald’s European squad will now focus on defending their title on American soil at Bethpage Black in September 2025, aiming to become the first European team to retain the Ryder Cup away from home since the famous “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012.

Despite last year’s defeat, Clark remains bullish on Team USA’s prospects. “I feel like we’re the best players in the world for a reason,” he asserted. “When you get us all together, I think we have something extra that maybe other teams don’t have. I think it’s that little bit of dog in us.”

This isn’t the first time Clark has stirred up competitive tension ahead of the Ryder Cup. Before last year’s event in Rome, he made headlines with his bold claim that he was better than Europe’s star player, Rory McIlroy. “I like to think I’m better than him, and I want to prove that,” Clark declared. Although he later clarified that he holds great respect for the Northern Irishman, the comment sparked plenty of debate.

Clark’s performance in Italy initially backed up his confidence, as he earned 1.5 points in his pairings. However, in his singles match against Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, Clark staged an impressive comeback, erasing a four-hole deficit to tie the match with just two holes to play. But as the news spread that Europe had clinched victory elsewhere on the course, MacIntyre held his nerve to secure a 2-up win.

Looking ahead to next year’s Ryder Cup, Team USA will be under the leadership of Keegan Bradley, not Jim Furyk. Clark, currently ranked World No. 3, is well-positioned to earn an automatic spot on Bradley’s team, thanks to his consistent performance in 2024, highlighted by a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

As the countdown to Bethpage Black begins, Clark’s boldness and competitive spirit will undoubtedly continue to fuel the rivalry between the United States and Europe, setting the stage for another thrilling Ryder Cup showdown.