The Rory McIlroy bow is fast becoming a main feature of the Ryder Cup this year. McIlroy made headlines on Friday in Hazeltine for his celebration after sinking an eagle putt to clinch a fourball victory alongside Thomas Pieters over Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar. McIlroy gave an Eidur Gudjohnsen-esque bow to the crowd after the putt dropped and this has had the effect on Saturday of making him the pantomine villain in the eyes of the US fans. "Get in the water!" was one such imaginative twist on the more traditional "Get in the hole!" bellow.
Behind it all there is undoubtedly a mischievous element to McIlroy's antics, an enjoyment of 'winding up' the Yanks that is perhaps comparable to the glee Alan Brogan probably feels when he sees a Mayo fan venting their much-abused spleen in reaction to something he has said. With a bit of a wink and a smile is how McIlroy pokes the patriotic American bears.
And while McIlroy is totally serious about winning, he showed that he has a light-hearted side too when he met Davis Love, captain of the US team, at the practice green this morning.
The Ryder Cup atmosphere so far has been absolutely brilliant, with fans openly jeering bad shots and passionate displays of emotion from the players on each team.
We're in for an incredible couple of days of golf if this continues.
