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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his approach shot on the fifth hole during the...
World number eight Rory McIlroy cannot wait to make his Ryder Cup debut next week in an event he disparaged last year."It is going to be fantastic," the 21-year-old Briton told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. "It's definitely not an exhibition, it's a great spectacle.
"I said 'exhibition' last year when I was not focused on a team event."
McIlroy's love of team competition was rekindled when he collected four points out of five for Britain and Ireland in the 2009 Vivendi Trophy against Continental Europe.
"I sort of forgot how good it was," said the Northern Irishman. "We won and it was great to share the win with 11 other guys."
He partnered Graeme McDowell at the Vivendi Trophy and the two close friends also finished joint second at the World Cup in November but McIlroy was uncertain if they would be reunited by European captain Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor next week.
"I am not sure," said McIlroy. "I will have a better sense (of that) when we get there on Monday.
"It worked well last year and I would like to but whatever Monty thinks I don't mind.
"I am very close to G-Mac and I think we would both love to partner each other. Hopefully we'll get a couple (of matches) and try to make the most of it."
PLAYING STINT
McIlroy admitted he was tired after a recent playing stint in the U.S. but a week off has recharged his batteries in time for the Celtic Manor showdown with the U.S. holders.
"I was not my normal self in America," he said. "I needed to refresh my mind and I definitely feel I will be going into the Ryder Cup in a better frame.
"It's been great having the last week at home. That's when I get my best (practice) work done and I am very happy with how it all went."
McIlroy, who won the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina in May and the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic, said he had learned valuable lessons about how to pace himself better next season.
"I'm definitely going to look at my schedule," said McIlroy. "I have been talking to Chubby (manager Andrew Chandler) about it and we are going to look at where I went wrong, then set a better schedule."
McIlroy also expects to have to overcome an attack of first-night nerves at the Ryder Cup.
"Obviously it's my first experience and one I am going to try and enjoy," said the youngster. "Hopefully, the adrenaline will make me play well.
"I am going to be nervous over my first tee shot but once you get that out of the way, all you are thinking about is winning your match."
(Editing by Ed Osmond, To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
(For more news visit Reuters India)
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