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Let the trash talk begin.

We’re just over a year out from the 2025 Ryder Cup and Rory McIlroy can’t resist having a cheeky swipe at his US rivals.

He added the first bit of fuel to the fire at the Old Course on Monday, when warming up for the Olympics with a round in St Andrews.

As he finished up on the famed links, one American heckler screamed: “New York loves you! The Bronx, baby! The Bronx! The Bronx in the house!”

Of course, Team Europe will defend the Ryder Cup in the Big Apple next year at the infamously tough Bethpage Black, and McIlroy had to intervene.

Rory McIlroy getting in round on the Old Course. Love his response to over served American. #RoryMcllroy #oldcourse #standrews #yourenotgonnaloveusnextyear pic.twitter.com/JwpRjMN5DW

— The Secret of St. Andrews Podcast (@standrews_1759) July 29, 2024

“You’re not going to love us next year,” the 35-year-old hit back. Then, just one day later, McIlroy was poking the US bear again.

He’s set to represent Ireland at the Paris Games this week and during his press conference on Tuesday, McIlroy was asked how Le Golf National compared to 2018.

Cast your mind back six years and, we’re sure, you’ll arrive at a match as memorable for Team USA as it will be for Team Europe, contested on the outskirts of the French capital.

Captained by Thomas Bjorn, the home side – featuring McIlroy – ran out convincing 17.5-10.5 winners of the biennial showdown.

One thing McIlroy doesn’t remember is dealing with the rough.

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“For those watching at home,” one reporter started. “How different will the golf course play?”

McIlroy quipped: “Ask the Americans. I wasn’t in it much that week.”

Unfortunately, none of the four players wearing red, white and blue this week were present for the 2018 match, but it was funny, nonetheless.

Maybe not for Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth or Bryson DeChambeau, however.