Rory McIlroy wants Europe's players to 'set the tone early on in the week' at Adare Manor Ryder Cup

RORY McIlroy has called for Europe’s players to “set the tone early on in the week” in the centenary edition of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor next year.

The career grand slam winner was the target for some vile abuse from US fans in last year’s match at Bethpage Black in New York.

He’s now returning to action on the PGA Tour for the first time this week as the defending champion in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

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The event in California is one of the quieter ones on the US circuit but, in his pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy was asked if he was worried that there might be any residual effect from the Ryder Cup later in the season.

“I hope not,” he said. “You know, I would think that the Ryder Cup was a one-off and it was because I was on the opposing team.

“ I mean, that remains to be seen. Yeah, I think the reception that I get everywhere I go to play is usually amazing and I'm deeply grateful for that. I think the Ryder Cup was just a one-off.”

The world No 2 was also asked what he felt the atmosphere will be like in September 2027 in County Limerick as Ireland stages the biennial bout for a second time after a thumping win for Europe at The K Club in 2006.

“I think that's up to the home team to set the tone early on in the week,” he said. “If you see something or you hear something, you point it out straight away.

“It's not the way the Ryder Cup should be played. It's not in the spirit of why the Ryder Cup was created in the first place.

“Yeah, we'll obviously do everything we can to make sure that the game and the matches are played in the right spirit.”