Justin Thomas had a classy message for Rory McIlroy after beating the Northern Irishman in their singles match on the final day of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Europe went into Sunday with a 10-6 lead over the United States after a mixed day for McIlroy with partners Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter at the at Le Golf National in Paris.
The 29-year downed Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka with Garcia before being defeated alongside Poulter by Jordan Spieth and Thomas.
McIlroy had the perfect chance to hit back on Sunday but crumbled in his singles match with Thomas, hitting a shot into the bunker on the 18th hole before finding the water.
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Thomas went on to beat McIlroy 1 up, to bring the score to 10-7, and revealed his conversation with McIlroy after their battle.
I told Rory Ive looked up to him for a long time, the 25-year-old rookie told Sky Sports.
Ive always respected the way hes treated me, so it was pretty cool getting thrown out there in the first match and playing against him.
Thomas admitted he felt for McIlroy after his struggles on the 18th hole.
It was a heavyweight pillow fight. It was weird, we didnt get off to great starts – I certainly didnt.
But we hit some quality shots in this back nine and hit some unbelievable putts but just could not get the ball to go in the hole.
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It wasnt a very fitting way for the match to end, I really feel badly about that. At least it makes him feel a little better that I hit two really good shots.
Im hoping that can turn the tide for us.
MORE: Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool stars danced around Daniel Sturridge in changing room after game
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Justin Thomas had a classy message for Rory McIlroy after beating the Northern Irishman in their singles match on the final day of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Europe went into Sunday with a 10-6 lead over the United States after a mixed day for McIlroy with partners Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter at the at Le Golf National in Paris.
The 29-year downed Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka with Garcia before being defeated alongside Poulter by Jordan Spieth and Thomas.
McIlroy had the perfect chance to hit back on Sunday but crumbled in his singles match with Thomas, hitting a shot into the bunker on the 18th hole before finding the water.
More: Golf
Advertisement Advertisement
Thomas went on to beat McIlroy 1 up, to bring the score to 10-7, and revealed his conversation with McIlroy after their battle.
I told Rory Ive looked up to him for a long time, the 25-year-old rookie told Sky Sports.
Ive always respected the way hes treated me, so it was pretty cool getting thrown out there in the first match and playing against him.
Thomas admitted he felt for McIlroy after his struggles on the 18th hole.
It was a heavyweight pillow fight. It was weird, we didnt get off to great starts – I certainly didnt.
But we hit some quality shots in this back nine and hit some unbelievable putts but just could not get the ball to go in the hole.
More: Golf
It wasnt a very fitting way for the match to end, I really feel badly about that. At least it makes him feel a little better that I hit two really good shots.
Im hoping that can turn the tide for us.
MORE: Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool stars danced around Daniel Sturridge in changing room after game
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