Team USA has committed an early Ryder Cup faux pas after an official T-shirt featuring a silhouette strikingly similar to Europe's Rory McIlroy went on sale. The navy Ralph Lauren shirt, priced at $65 (£48), bears the slogan “USA Ryder Cup 2025” and depicts a golfer in a follow-through pose that many believe is McIlroy, the leading name on the European roster.
Social media erupted following the item's appearance on the US section of the official Ryder Cup shop. The gaffe is particularly notable given that the US team includes world number one Scottie Scheffler, raising questions about why a European star's likeness was used. The PGA of America has been contacted for comment.
McIlroy, speaking at Wentworth on Tuesday, shrugged off the controversy, suggesting the silhouette actually resembles Australian Adam Scott—a curious alternative given Scott is not European. The Northern Irishman is one of 11 European Ryder Cup players competing in the DP World Tour's flagship event before heading to Bethpage for a scouting mission.
McIlroy's appearance in England comes days after a dramatic victory at the Irish Open, where he holed a 30-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole before winning a playoff. The 36-year-old also outlined his future schedule, stating he will play where he wants, including events in the Middle East, India, and Australia, and will not be bound by minimum requirements.
