‘It looks similar’ – Laughing Rory McIlroy responds to USA blunder that saw Europe star printed on Ryder Cup t-shirt

Team USA may have some explaining to do after appearing to use Rory McIlroy’s silhouette on their official Ryder Cup merchandise.

With just weeks to go until the showdown between Europe and the USA at Bethpage Black in New York, fans have been queuing up to get their hands on some commemorative gear.

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But one particular item on sale has already caught the eye of customers, and not for the right reasons.

A new Ralph Lauren T-shirt is available to purchase for $65 on the official Ryder Cup website in navy blue.

The top is listed as having a ‘bold golfer graphic’, and features a silhouette of a golfer, with the words ‘USA Ryder Cup 2025’ printed in bold across it. 

And while the steep price may raise a few eyebrows, it was the design itself which caused the biggest stir this time.

That is because the mystery golfer on the T-shirt is almost a spitting image of McIlroy, and his signature high-finish follow-through.

A closer look all but confirms this, with the silhouette bearing a striking resemblance to the Northern Irishman’s pose and swing with a driver.

This is, of course, a glaring error from the kit suppliers, with McIlroy set for his eighth Ryder Cup appearance on Team Europe.

What did fans make of the blunder?

Fans were quick to pick up on the apparent blunder online, with many convinced it is the five-time major winner on the T-shirt.

After a picture was shared online, one stunned fan wrote: “Appears to be???? That IS Rory. Unreal.”

Another simply joked: “Is Rory switching sides?”

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A frustrated American supporter commented: “We’re already down 1-0 to Europe, great.”

And while the design may have left fans unimpressed, there is a chance the apparent use of McIlroy’s silhouette was deliberate.

A Tour insider told Telegraph Sport: “Rory even inspires the American team.

“The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it.”

McIlroy himself was asked about the design ahead of teeing it up at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth this week.

With a wry smile, he said: “It looks more like Adam Scott than me I think but yeah, it looks a little similar, I don’t know.

Asked how he’ll feel about USA fans having him on their t-shirts at Bethpage, a laughing McIlroy added: “It’s OK, it’s fine, I won’t mind that.”

The T-shirt is part of Team USA’s Ralph Lauren collection for this year’s tournament, with all of Keegan Bradley’s players being kitted out by the American clothing brand kitting.

And while McIlroy may be flattered to learn his opponents’ merchandise has been modelled on him, he will surely be trying to keep his head down over the coming weeks.

The golf star is looking to enjoy even more success at this month’s Ryder Cup, after enjoying an historic year.

He became just the sixth man to complete golf’s career Grand Slam when he finally won the Master’s in April.

On top of that, McIlroy has tasted glory at The Players Championship this year, as well as victory at the Irish Open last week.

He is next in action alongside 10 of his European team-mates and captain Luke Donald at this week’s BMW PGA Championship, before turning his attention to the Ryder Cup.

After losing the last edition in Rome in 2023, Team USA will be attempting to win back the trophy on home soil when the continental showdown begins on September 26.

Meanwhile, Europe are looking to become the first team to win away from home since 2012.