The Northern Irish golfer was subjected to nasty abuse by American fans as Europe earned victory at Bethpage Black in September and is pleased with the way he handled the hostile atmosphere in New York.

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

"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."

The world number two considers it to be a "compliment" that the American fans regarded him as Europe's biggest threat.

McIlroy said: "It was a week where, in a way, because of everything you were hearing, because of everything that was going on, it made that three or four seconds that you're over the golf ball not much more important.

"Reflecting back 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."

McIlroy formed an effective partnership with his friend Shane Lowry during the event and believes that the Irishman didn't get enough credit for how well he performed.

The five-time major winner said: "People talk about Shane and how he was Rory's bodyguard, but that dismisses the golf that Shane played for those two days. He played amazing 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 match-up 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 and that is going to protect you."