Ryder Cup: Rory McIlroy’s savage reaction to lack of LIV Golfers

ATLANTA — In entrance of a packed media room at East Lake Golf Membership, Rory McIlroy was requested if he had an issue with the Individuals choosing LIV golfers for his or her Ryder Cup crew. The Europeans aren’t allowed to take action.

“No,” McIlroy confidently stated forward of the Tour Championship. “I don’t assume it could make a distinction for us.”

The PGA of America facilitates the Ryder Cup from the U.S. facet. Since that group is separate from the PGA Tour, U.S. Captain Zach Johnson can choose as many LIV gamers as he desires.

Brooks Koepka’s potential spot on the crew has been a well-liked subject of debate these days, particularly since he dropped out of the highest six within the standings following the BMW Championship. The highest six U.S. gamers mechanically certified for the crew.

Photograph by Michael Reaves/Getty Photos

Koepka now should depend on a captain’s choose to play for the Individuals in Rome.

Throughout the pond, the DP World Tour organizes the European crew.

Along side the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour has barred LIV golfers from taking part in in its occasions and, subsequently, won’t enable LIV gamers to signify the European flag in Rome.

However, McIlroy has by no means been shy of holding again his disdain for LIV Golf. He has repeatedly lamented towards the Saudi-backed tour, particularly through the 2022 season.

Many notable European gamers bolted for LIV Golf in 2022, specifically Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, and Paul Casey, all of whom have helped Europe win a number of Ryder Cups over the previous 20 years.

Photograph by Warren Little/Getty Photos

Garcia has collected extra Ryder Cup factors than any participant in historical past.

Westwood has recorded 24 factors, tied with Sir Nick Faldo for third all-time amongst the Europeans.

Stenson performed in 5 Ryder Cups, profitable three of them. He was additionally named the European captain in 2021, however the DP World Tour stripped the Swede of this honor in 2022 after he went to LIV Golf.

Poulter, in the meantime, holed the profitable putt in 2012 to cap off the ‘Miracle at Medinah,’ whereas Casey performed in 5 Ryder Cups himself.

However these gamers are effectively previous their prime, therefore why McIlroy made the remark that he did.

The European crew will look a lot youthful this 12 months, with McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland main the cost.

These three gamers have already certified for the crew.

Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrell Hatton, Justin Rose, and Matt Fitzpatrick—4 excellent English gamers—will certainly signify the Europeans in Rome.

As will Shane Lowry, who received the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Eire.

Different doable gamers embrace Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, who challenged McIlroy on the Genesis Scottish Open in July.

Photograph by Octavio Passos/Getty Photos

German Yannik Paul, who has 5 top-10s on the DP World Tour this season, may additionally play for the Europeans.

Adrian Meronk might turn into the primary man from Poland to play in a Ryder Cup. The 30-year-old Pole leads the DP World Tour in complete strokes gained this season.

As for European Captain Luke Donald, he has till Sept. 3, 2023, to finalize his crew.

The alternatives for Group Europe in 2023 are limitless, however an period of European golf has absolutely ended with many notable former Ryder Cuppers bolting for LIV Golf.

That would all change sooner or later, however for now, no LIV gamers will signify the blue and gold of Europe, a lot to the delight of McIlroy.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. You possibly can observe him on Twitter @jack_milko for extra golf protection. Make sure you take a look at @_PlayingThrough too.