BETHPAGE, N.Y. -- Rory McIlroy has been adamant in recent years how much the Ryder Cup means to him. Categorizing a win on American soil as one of the three goals remaining in his career, McIlroy's the event -- and this specific 45th edition being played at Bethpage Black in New York -- circled on his calendar for a while.

The career grand slam winner enters his eighth straight playing of the competition holding a sentiment that he did not previously abide. As a 20-year-old wunderkind, McIlroy dismissed the importance of the Ryder Cup, calling it an "exhibition." It was a stance he has since walked back with long strides.

Ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup, the European leader on Thursday revealed the exact moment he realized his initial feelings about th event were misguided.

"I think it's mo

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