Rory McIlroy hopes sweet Ryder Cup music can be played as 'Fleetwood Mac' pairing with pal Tommy leaves him buzzing

Rory McIlroy hopes to make sweet Rome music as part of Fleetwood Mac.

The World No.2 is delighted to start his Ryder Cup campaign alongside the Englishman with the rock-star looks to go with on-course ability. Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari were dubbed Moliwood after they brilliantly ripped America apart in Paris five years ago. McIlroy now steps into the role alongside the Southport star for the opening-day morning foursomes against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

He can’t wait and said: “How Tommy played in France and in his last home Ryder Cup and the partnership he had, I just hope I can live up to Francesco. That is really all I’m trying to do here. If I can live up to Francesco, I think we’ll be okay.”

Fleetwood added: “Anybody playing with Rory is going to be a good partnership. I’m very excited to play with him. We’ve known each other for a long time and Rory has been a huge part of my Ryder Cup journeys, been a part of both Ryder Cups that I’ve played in before and now this one.”

Rookie Ludvig Aberg is out alongside Viktor Hovland against Max Homa and Open champ Brian Harman with the Norwegian dead-set on avenging the trounching at Whistling Straits two years ago. He said: “I think we all have a bit of a chip on our shoulder.

"I am sure the Americans think they can show up here and do the same thing again. but we’re going to do everything we can to stop that. I hope we all play our asses off and show them what Team Europe is made of. I just want this week to be a huge statement.”

Aberg added: “I think we’re in a good spot. We have been playing a little bit together in the last couple days and anyone who is going to play with Viktor is going to be a happy guy, and so am I.”

Sepp Straka and Shane