Rory McIlroy says America is the best country in the world… despite moving back to the UK with wife Erica

Rory McIlroy has risked the wrath of his home nation after dubbing America the best country in the world ahead of this week’s Ryder Cup in New York City.

The Northern Irishman appeared to confirm in July that he and wife Erica – who are back on track after last year’s shock divorce U-turn – have permanently relocated to the UK with five-year-old daughter Poppy despite still owning a property in Florida.

When they enjoyed a break there over the summer, reports suggested Erica was keen to head to the UK on a more permanent basis due to the lower temperature, with the upper New York native making her distaste for the heat well known over the years.

Yet despite recently packing up and moving into their new British mansion in Wentworth, Surrey, McIlroy believes the US is still the world’s No 1 country.

‘Everyone wanted to make it in America. It’s the land of opportunity. And I still believe it’s the best country in the world, and if you come here and work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want,’ the Masters champion told reporters on Wednesday.

‘I am unbelievably grateful and lucky that I got to come to America early on. I think success is celebrated here. I think there’s a wonderful sense of work ethic.

‘And yeah, I live here. My wife is American. My daughter is American. I have a lot of affinity towards this country, and I think everyone that lives here should have that same affinity because it is… it’s a wonderful place.’

McIlroy first revealed in April that he and Erica were waiting for building on their new Wentworth home to be completed, before confirming three months later that they had moved into the property.

‘We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and been since trying to settle in, and it’s amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you, and sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while,’ he told The Telegraph ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open.

‘It’s been nice to have this time to reflect and also to rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year. Obviously, we have this week in Scotland and then a massive week next week (for the Open) in Portrush.’

Rory and Erica arrived hand-in-hand for the official Ryder Cup Welcome Dinner at Hempstead House in Sands Point, New York on Tuesday night.

The elegant event saw both teams enjoy a formal evening just days before teeing off at Bethpage Black, with players turning up suited and booted alongside their glamorous significant others.

McIlroy was among the first to arrive, wearing a classic black suit and tie, while Erica opted for a sleek black dress after joining him on the night.

The couple, who married in 2017, endured a rocky 2024 which at one stage saw the golf star hand his wife divorce papers.

They looked to be heading for a split before later announcing it was no longer going ahead in a dramatic U-turn, with McIlroy saying earlier this year that the ordeal was a ‘wake-up call’.

At the time, rumors suggested he was involved in a relationship with CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis – an allegation which has neither been directly addressed or confirmed by either party.

‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,’ McIlroy said. ‘Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.

‘Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.’