Ralph Lauren accidentally puts Team Europe’s star on American merchandise, and golf Twitter is having a field day

Just two weeks before the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Team USA already handed Europe their first victory — and it didn’t even require a golf club. The official US Ryder Cup merchandise shop is selling a $65 Ralph Lauren t-shirt featuring what looks suspiciously like Rory McIlroy’s signature high-finish swing silhouette. Yes, you read that right. The man who’s been terrorizing American Ryder Cup dreams for over a decade might now be the face of Team USA’s fan gear.

McIlroy’s Diplomatic Non-Denial

When cornered by Sky Sports at Wentworth, the Northern Irishman displayed the kind of political finesse usually reserved for actual diplomats. “It looks more like Adam Scott than me but yeah, it looks a little similar, I don’t know,” McIlroy said with what witnesses described as barely contained glee written across his face. The five-time major champion also graciously stated he “won’t mind” if American fans sport his silhouette while cheering against him. That’s the kind of psychological warfare money can’t buy.

The Golf World’s Reaction

Social media erupted faster than a Phil Mickelson gambling scandal. “Appears to be???? That IS Rory. Unreal,” one stunned fan commented. Another quipped, “Is Rory switching sides?” The consensus among Tour insiders seems clear — everyone thinks it’s the Masters champion’s iconic follow-through pose. One source joked to The Telegraph, “Rory even inspires the American team. The PGA America probably did not use any of their own players because they would have demanded to be paid for it.”

Ralph Lauren’s Silent Treatment

The luxury brand, known for dressing tennis legends and Olympic teams, has remained mysteriously quiet about their apparent design faux pas. The navy shirt remains available for purchase on the official Ryder Cup website, complete with its “bold golfer graphic” description. At $65, it’s either the most expensive piece of European propaganda ever created or the cheapest form of psychological warfare in golf history.

What This Really Means

Beyond the obvious comedy, this blunder reveals something deeper about golf’s current landscape. McIlroy has become such an iconic figure that even his silhouette is instantly recognizable. Meanwhile, Team USA — fresh off agreeing to pay their players for the first time in Ryder Cup history — can’t seem to get their own merchandise department on the same page. If this is any indication of their preparation for Bethpage, Luke Donald’s European squad might already be measuring for trophy cases.