Luke Donald and Justin Rose react after Rory McIlroy is the first player confirmed for the European Ryder Cup team

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Rory McIlroy ultimately had a US Open to forget, but any disappointment has now been offset somewhat with his Ryder Cup qualification.

McIlroy was backed for US Open contention, but could only finish T19 on seven-over at Oakmont Country Club.

J.J. Spaun won the US Open on one-under, sinking a stunning birdie putt to clinch his first major championship in style.

He edged out Robert MacIntyre at Oakmont, with the Scot ending his tournament in second place on one-over.

The Open Championship at Royal Portrush concludes the major championship season, with Bethpage Black then hosting the Ryder Cup.

Justin Rose reacts after Rory McIlroy qualifies for Ryder Cup

Justin Rose was disappointed to miss the US Open cut, but he has now shared his delight for fellow European McIlroy after his Ryder Cup qualification.

The Northern Irishman has become the first European player to clinch qualification, with Rose reacting to that news on X with the message: “Strong first player in team [Ryder Cup Europe]!”

READ MORE: Rex Hoggard takes issue with one of Rory McIlroy’s comments at the US Open which sounded a lot like Collin Morikawa

McIlroy is set to take part in his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, which gets underway at the end of September.

Luke Donald has message for Rory McIlroy after Ryder Cup qualification

Rose wasn’t the only player to welcome McIlroy to the team, with European captain Luke Donald also sharing his reaction.

The Englishman wrote on X: “Welcome back to Team Europe Rory – a leader on and off the course and a key piece to our Team. Let’s Go.”

READ MORE: How Rory McIlroy behaved with the media after his final round of the US Open following previous snubs

Donald is spot on with his verdict, with McIlroy an absolutely crucial player for the European Ryder Cup team.

He has proven his worth to the side time and again, and is likely to feature heavily for the visitors this summer.

McIlroy will, however, need to repeat his efforts from The Masters as opposed to those from the US Open and the PGA Championship in New York.

He has been nowhere near his best since Augusta, but fortunately has another Open on home soil, which could be perfect preparation for the Ryder Cup.

Slightly worryingly, however, the five-time major champion missed the cut when The Open was held at Portrush in 2019.

He finished his two rounds on two-over, although unsurprisingly still received superb support from his home fans.