Rory McIlroy stated in Bengaluru that his connection with some of his old Ryder Cup teammates has been harmed by their decision to participate in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia will be among the 17 LIV Golf Series participants in this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where Rory McIlroy will also compete.
Five members of last year’s Team Europe contingent have joined the breakaway series.
McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday, “I wouldn’t say I have a strong relationship with them at the moment.” “However, if you only discuss Ryder Cup, that is not the future of the Ryder Cup team.
“They have probably participated in a total of 25 or 30 Ryder Cups… The Hojgaards (Rasmus and Nicolai), Bobby Mac (Robert MacIntyre), and whatever else is coming along are scheduled to perform. They represent the Ryder Cup team’s future. This is what we should be considering and discussing.
“They have no right to be here. They are displacing players who really need roster positions this week.”
Players who have signed up for the LIV tour should not be able to compete in this week’s BMW PGA competition, according to Rory McIlroy. pic.twitter.com/ddBSYsm7LU
— Sky Sports Golf (7 September 2022) (@SkySportsGolf)
“I have not taken any different actions. They are responsible for making this decision. “I can sit here with my head held high and say I have not changed a thing,” he added.
The 2023 Ryder Cup will be hosted at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome from September 25 to October 1.
The Northern Irishman also mocked the LIV Golf members, who compete in 54-hole events on the breakaway circuit but will have to play four at Wentworth.
When asked if he would be more motivated to play alongside a LIV Golf Series participant in the last pairing on Sunday, McIlroy responded, “I’ll be aiming to win a golf event whatever.”
They will be somewhat exhausted on Sunday, as it will be the fourth day.
Reuters