McIlroy believes the “player-led” dynamic of the US team is in striking contrast to the European side led by Luke Donald.
Having captained Europe to an empathic win in Rome two years ago, Englishman Donald remains at the helm for the attempt at a first win on US soil since the 2012 Miracle of Medinah.
McIlroy said: “I think they give the captaincy a different perspective. It really feels like it’s a player-led team in America.
“Obviously, we have our input as players on the European team. But but we do have that one figurehead in Luke. That’s important.
“In Rome, when the Americans got off to a pretty rough start, because Zach gave the team so much ownership, they had nowhere or no one to look to.
“They were looking at each other instead of having a focal point to be like, ‘Okay, tell us what to do.’
“That is something Europe has done very, very well. But also the players have allowed the captain to be the captain as well.”
