The biggest talking point from Day 1 of the 2016 Ryder Cup is Rory McIlroy committing himself to destroying America with the same aggression as the aliens in 'Independence Day'.
McIlroy spoke afterwards about how he was revved up by the 'hostile' atmosphere generated by the partisan Hazeltine gallery. According to journalists on the course, it was two comments in particular that had him riled up.
Firstly, McIlroy clearly didn't appreciate one punter who shouted 'let an American putt that' as McIlroy stood over his birdie putt on 18 as McIlroy and Sullivan tried to salvage a half-point against Phil and Fowler.
Kevin Van Valkenburg of ESPN described McIlroy's reaction to that taunt like this:
McIlroy was visibly annoyed, his face twisting into a scowl. He stepped away, went through his routine one more time, then hit a putt he quickly realized had no chance of going in. In disgust, he flipped his putter in the air, caught it, quickly shook hands with Mickelson and Fowler, then exited the green muttering under his breath.
Van Valkenburg also reports that McIlroy was not impressed when Americans urged his ball to 'get in the water', on top of the wild cheering after Andy Sullivan put one in the drink.
McIlroy made himself heard with a booming roar after sinking that eagle putt on 18 last night. A tantalising weekend lies ahead and it seems that Amiercan sport might have a new villain: young Rory McIlroy.
