Ryder Cup is definitely not an exhibition, says McIlroy

London: World number eight Rory McIlroy cannot wait to make his Ryder Cup debut next week in an event he disparaged last year.

"It is going to be fantastic," the 21-year-old Briton told reporters in a conference call. "It`s definitely not an exhibition, it`s a great spectacle.” "I said `exhibition` last year when I was not focused on a team event." McIlroy`s love of team competition was rekindled when he collected four points out of five for Britain and Ireland in the 2009 Vivendi Trophy against Continental Europe."I sort of forgot how good it was," said the Northern Irishman. "We won and it was great to share the win with 11 other guys." He partnered Graeme McDowell at the Vivendi Trophy and the two close friends also finished joint second at the World Cup in November but McIlroy was uncertain if they would be reunited by European captain Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor next week. "I am not sure," said McIlroy. "I will have a better sense (of that) when we get there on Monday.”"It worked well last year and I would like to but whatever Monty thinks I don`t mind.” "I am very close to G-Mac and I think we would both love to partner each other. Hopefully we`ll get a couple (of matches) and try to make the most of it." Bureau Report