Rory McIlroy rocks backwards cap as Team Europe practice ahead of Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy opted for a backwards cap as Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team spent their first practice session at Marco Simone in Rome, Italy, on Monday. 

McIlroy, 34, has typically refrained from using a Team Europe cap in previous matches. 

He once described the caps being made for Europe as unsuitable for his "pea head". 

But maybe this time around in Rome he will decide to wear one. 

Backwards hat… Rory’s here #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/rbPOk8CJiY

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 11, 2023

McIlroy threw away the Irish Open after finding water four times in the final round.

He had moved into a share of the lead early on in the final round but ended up finishing in T16. 

Introducing #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/TxTwXYNu5a

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 4, 2023

Donald's European team arrived in Italy on Monday morning and they will continue their practice at Marco Simone until returning to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Wednesday. 

The goal will also be to further build a team bond ahead of the biennial contest, which starts on September 29. 

Team Europe: 

Captain: Luke Donald

• Rory McIlroy
• Jon Rahm
• Viktor Hovland
• Tyrrell Hatton
• Robert MacIntyre
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Justin Rose
• Shane Lowry
• Sepp Straka
• Nicolai Hojgaard
• Ludvig Aberg

Donald's team comprises four rookies in Straka, MacIntyre, Hojgaard and Aberg. 

Here's a look at some more videos from Team Europe's Monday practice session: 

Team Europe arrive at @marcosimonegolf pic.twitter.com/yiBvux4wvW

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 11, 2023

Warming up in Rome#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/Q7CLbIzbIk

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 11, 2023

All smiles at Marco Simone #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/gqtIJI4GJA

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 11, 2023

Team Europe grinding pic.twitter.com/9UbtdrT5gV

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 11, 2023

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