CHASKA, Minnesota, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy has added motivation playing for Europe captain Darren Clarke at this week's Ryder Cup, having first met his fellow Northern Irishman by chance on his 10th birthday 17 years ago.
While McIlroy readily concedes that he has been lucky to represent his continent under three superb Ryder Cup captains in Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Paul McGinley, he says this week at Hazeltine will be extra special.
"I've been very fortunate, everyone in Europe has been very fortunate, to play under some great captains," McIlroy said on Tuesday before heading off for team practice with Englishmen Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan and Spaniard Sergio Garcia.