USA targeting McIlroy at Ryder Cup as Woods warns world No 1 to expect rough ride at Medinah

PUBLISHED: 23:05, 25 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:55, 26 September 2012

Tiger Woods has warned Rory McIlroy ahead of the Ryder Cup that he will have to accept being targeted by the opposition now that he is acknowledged as the world's best golfer.

'You're always going to want to try and take out their best player, that's just part of the deal,' said Woods, who despite his burgeoning friendship with the Northern Irishman has not given him the benefit of his experience in that position.

'I'm not going to say anything, obviously he's playing for the other team, but we can talk about it afterwards.

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No 1: Rory McIlroy (left) will be targeted according to Tiger Woods

'It's part of being consistent, part of being ranked No1 and winning major championships. I certainly have relished it over the years.'

Former US Captain Paul Azinger claimed this week that McIlroy 'can slump his shoulders', and the Americans will hope that the US PGA champion does not improve on his only previous Ryder Cup experience, when he only managed a win, a loss and two halves at Celtic Manor.

McIlroy was immediately supported by captain Jose Maria Olazabal, who said: 'At this moment he's very close to how good Tiger was at that stretch of time between '99 and '02.

He's full of confidence, and it's great to have players like him on your team.'

Europe's team lined up on Tuesday, showing off golf bags that will honour the memory of Seve! riano Ba llesteros with silhouettes of him on the front and back.

The image is also on yardage books and they plan to wear his trademark navy trousers, navy sweater and white shirt when the singles are played on Sunday.

Part of the deal: Woods says that McIlroy should expect the US players to raise their game for him

'It's tough for me, the first time that Seve is not going to be with us during the Ryder Cup, I miss the phone call th! at he di d to the team at Celtic Manor,' said Olazabal.

'I wanted to have something that was present to each and every player.

We came up with the idea of the silhouette so every time a player grabs a club or something from the bag they can see the silhouette.'

Of the iconic shape he added: 'Seve always said that was the sweetest moment of his career, winning at St Andrews, making that putt to beat Tom Watson.'

Graeme McDowell, hero of Celtic Manor, warned his team-mates about the boisterous soundtrack they are likely to experience as they plot their way around the Medinah course.

'It's something you've got to accept this week,' he said. 'Putts that drop in front of your home fans are like a bomb going off.'

Warning shot: Woods is hoping the USA team can wrestle the trophy from the Europeans

Graham Chadwick's image of the week: Team Europe at Medinah

By GRAHAM CHADWICK

PUBLISHED: 09:16, 26 September 2012 | UPDATED: 09:16, 26 September 2012

This week I am in Chicago for what promises to be yet another Ryder Cup full of thrills, spills and edge-of-your-seat drama.

The European team, captained by Jose Maria Olazabal, were paired into fourballs for their first practice session on Tuesday but came together for a stunning group image with the prize they hope to retain against the United States come Sunday.

This picture works for me, because of the way this frame has picked up the flash off a fellow photographer.

Sometimes in this situation at a photo call, just by moving to the side, changing your angles and, of course, with a little bit of luck, you can produce an image that is very effective.

Nikon D3
lens-300mm
ISO-400
F/4
Shutter speed 200s

The European team pose for a group picture in Medinah ahead of the Ryder Cup against USA

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