Rory Mcllroy likened his performance at this year's Ryder Cup to how his season has gone as a whole and has revealed how he felt compelled to say sorry to opening-day fourballs partner Thorbjorn Olesen.

Olesen, competing in his first Ryder Cup was left out completely from Saturday's match-ups after the opening day fourballs session did not go according to plan for the pair where they lost 4&2 to Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.

Mcllroy, who struggled for consistency throughout the weekend, said “I haven’t had my best stuff for a while. I’m struggling with my swing a bit and fighting it," per The Mirror.

"I wanted to come here and contribute and help the rookies and I felt horrendous for Thorbjorn — the reason he didn’t play Friday afternoon or Saturday was because of me."

Mcllroy continued to explain how he broke the news to Olesen.

“I had a chat with him on Friday after the fourballs and said 'Sorry, you’ll have your chance but let this be motivation for you.' He then went out and beat one of the best players in the world.

“I was so happy for Jon Rahm (who beat Tiger Woods) and Thorbjorn to win points and have everyone contribute to what was an unbelievable side.”

The Europeans won in convincing style 17 1/2 to USA's 10 1/2 to claim back the trophy for the fourth time in five outings - with USA winning last time out in 2016. 

In comical circumstances, McIlroy admitted that he then went and pulled his left calf chasing Tyrrell Hatton around the green during Europe's celebrations. 

“It is lucky I am not playing for three weeks” the Ulsterman joked. 

Rory Mcllroy will be hoping the three-week break from competition will aid him in returning to his brilliant best, which he admits we haven't seen enough of this past year.