US domination is a Ryder warning

RORY McILROY was the last European standing in Texas last night as American golfers continued to give Luke Donald an almighty Ryder Cup headache at the WGC Match Play.

Twelve of the 16 group winners heading into yesterday’s knockout rounds were American with McIlroy the only survivor from a 12-strong European contingent who had teed it up at Austin Country Club on Wednesday.

And the US’s vice-like grip on such a prestigious event will set the alarm bells ringing for European Ryder Cup hopes just six months before the big showdown in Rome.

‘That’s got to be bad news,’ admitted former European Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart, commentating on Sky Sports. Donald, preparing to captain Europe, will however be delighted to see McIlroy playing so well.

The world No3, had beaten a trio of Americans, among them Keegan Bradley, to win his group on Friday. And he outlasted Australia’s Lucas Herbert in an epic last-16 match – draining nine birdies to win by two holes, to set up a quarter-final with Xander Schauffele.

But with the likes of Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland flopping in the group phase, McIlroy was left surrounded by a galaxy of top-class Americans.

Scottie Scheffler also won through to last night’s quarter-finals after fighting back from two down with four to play to pip JT Poston by one hole.

This will all be a headache for Donald, who would have hoped a US Ryder Cup side stripped of LIV rebels like Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka would be weaker than the one which thrashed Europe 19-9 at Whistling Straits in 2021.