Rory McIlroy's witty comeback to enthusiastic American fans at St. Andrews ahead of Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy's response to an over-enthusiastic American fan turned heads during a practice round at St. Andrews , as he engaged in some light-hearted banter hinting at next year's Ryder Cup challenge. McIlroy's sharp-witted exchange came while playing the historic Old Course, and was captured on video.

The Northern Irish golf star captivated onlookers across 18 holes when a vocal fan from New York couldn't contain his admiration, shouting: "Rory! Nobody better! New York loves you! The Bronx , baby, the Bronx! The Bronx in the house!"

McIlroy cheekily seized the moment with a nod to the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at New York's prestigious Bethpage Black course. He retorted, echoing back to the crowd: "You're not gonna love us next year!"

• Rory McIlroy's former agent speaks out on role in LIV Golf move speculation as rumors intensify

• Rory McIlroy admits resentment over having to choose Team Ireland over Team GB for the Olympics

If you can't see the post below, click here.

With Team Europe having bagged eight of the past 11 Ryder Cups and two on US turf since 2000 their dominance was underlined by McIlroy's formidable play at the last tournament in Italy, leading to a resounding European triumph of 16.5-11.5, reports the Express .

At 35, McIlroy faces his next contest at the Paris Olympics, representing Ireland in the men's golf competition starting Thursday at Le Golf National. He has previously outlined his reasons for choosing to compete for Ireland over Team GB at the prestigious event.

Rory McIlroy amusingly interacts with an American at St. Andrews, delivering a tease about the Ryder Cup. #RoryMcIlroy #OldCourse #StAndrews #yourenotgonnaloveusnextyear.

"As I said, previously, once I left trying not to upset anyone aside, then it was actually a pretty easy decision," he said. "The decision was: I'm going to play golf for the country or the nation that I've always played for through my junior and amateur days and now into the professional game. And that's Ireland."

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

After missing the cut at The Open earlier this month, the four-time major winner is hoping to make his nation proud with an improved performance. McIlroy posted +11 for his worst two-round score at a major in over a decade, before American Xander Schauffele went on to win the event at Royal Troon.

"I think once I made the eight on the fourth hole, that was it," McIlroy admitted after crashing out. "22 holes into the event and I'm thinking about where I'm going to go on vacation next week. Yeah, that was basically it. I mean, I knew from then I'd sort of resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going to shoot four or five-under-par."

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .