Rory McIlroy's sensational 2025 saw him complete the Career Grand Slam and help Europe to an away victory at the Ryder Cup, and he says the latter tournament was the toughest he has experienced.

McIlroy, who defeated Justin Rose in a play-off at the Masters in April, becoming the first European to win all four of golf's majors, played a starring role as the United States were vanquished at Bethpage Black in September.

Only Tommy Fleetwood (four) earned more points for Europe than McIlroy's 3.5, as they became the first away team to win the Ryder Cup since 2012 (another European victory at Medinah).

This year's tournament was overshadowed by crowd trouble, with McIlroy one of several visiting players to become embroiled in heated confrontations with supporters.

Reflecting on a stunning year of success, McIlroy said coming through that hostile atmosphere for his sixth Ryder Cup triumph was a particularly special memory.

"The Ryder Cup at Bethpage was probably the toughest, mentally, that I've ever had to be," McIlroy told Sky Sports. 

"As much as you want to go through those few days and not let it get to you, I think you're only human if at some point something gets through and you react.

"I reacted a couple of times that week, but every time I did react, I felt like I responded well – whether that was hitting a good shot or holing a putt or whatever it was.

"Reflecting on all this, you want to try to take it as a compliment that they targeted me more so than anyone else, because it means that they saw me as a threat, which is ultimately a good thing."

You really did, @McIlroyRory  pic.twitter.com/9YC01aDtou

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) December 19, 2025

By the start of Sunday's play in New York, Europe had the largest lead at any Ryder Cup since 1979, thanks in part to McIlroy teaming up with his close friend Shane Lowry for a win and a draw in the four-balls.

Lowry then made the putt that ensured Europe retained the cup on Sunday, following a stirring fightback from the United States, and McIlroy believes he deserves more credit for his role in their success.

"People talk about Shane and how he was Rory's bodyguard, but that dismisses the golf that Shane played for those two days," McIlroy said. 

"He played amazingly on Friday and basically won us the match on Saturday afternoon. He lives for the Ryder Cup. 

"Shane and I, on paper, in the fourballs, were probably not the best matchup or the best pairing stats-wise, but stats don't talk about what it's like to be out there with someone that you have full trust in, who is going to protect you.

"I'm just so glad Friday and Saturday afternoon I was out there with Shane and no-one else, because I definitely felt like he provided a buffer for me that I needed, especially those two matches."