Rory McIlroy explains the problem LIV defectors would face as Ryder Cup captains

With the Solheim Cup wrapping up on Sunday in Virginia, the next American-European showdown will be on the men’s side when the Ryder Cup gets under way in Black Bethpage in Farmingdale, NY, next fall.

There are already a ton of stories, about Bethpage and beyond. Among them for 2025: will any LIV golfers be on the European roster? Since the last Cup, Jon Rahm AND Tyrrell Hatton have left for LIV, which would rob Europe of two formidable players (not to mention those who previously left for LIV).

How about a story for further down the road: Can – or should? — LIV leavers to be used as team captains? Think Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia or Henrik Stenson, the latter of whom was actually going to be captain before signing with LIV.

Rory McIlroy says it’s not that simple.

“I think it’s difficult because we don’t really see them anymore; I’m not sure if Poults gave up his European Tour membership,” McIlroy said, speaking at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on Wednesday. “You know, you need somebody around who’s comfortable. You see what Luke (Donald) has made an effort in recent years. He played in the Czech Republic. He is making an effort to be around the players to feel comfortable with it, young players who haven’t had a chance to be on a team yet or trying to make a team.

“With the guys that left, Poulter, Westwood, how can these young up-and-comers, you know, build a rapport with them when they’re never here?” he continued. “You can’t see them. I think that’s a really important part of being a Ryder Cup captain and a Ryder Cup captain. I’m not saying Poulter doesn’t have the credentials to be a Ryder Cup captain, but I just think with the current state of where everything is, you need someone who’s around and shows his face as much as he can. Right now, it honestly can’t be them because they’re somewhere else.”

Several of Europe’s Ryder Cup veterans who left for LIV were a big reason for the team’s success against the USA during their prime — Europe was 6-1 from 2002 to 2014 — and all were thought to be captains of recently, especially Poulter, who played in seven Ryder Cups and was 15-8-2 in them. Equally important, he was the blood of the European teams where he was.

However, DP World Tour players who shut out for LIV were subsequently fined and suspended, although there is a way for those players to still remain eligible for the Ryder Cup.

If these players pay fines and serve suspensions, they can regain membership and Ryder Cup eligibility, although for the latter they will need to play at least four DP World Tour events, although this should not be a problem for players hoping to win Ryder Cup Consideration.

In a recent interview with Al Arabiya English, Poulter said: “The rules that have been set are hard – there is no compromise. I think everyone is aware that players have to play their minimum amount on the European tour to be able to be eligible to play. It’s difficult for me personally – I find myself in a tricky position where I’m not a member and obviously can’t qualify to be part of a team or even help out as vice-captain or captain unless I become a member again. It’s not the best scenario, but it’s the one the tournament is sticking to.”

Asked about Poulter on Tuesday, Justin Roseanother mainstay of the European Ryder Cup, said he thinks the sport needs things to “speed up quickly” when it comes to sharing and eligibility for the Ryder Cup.

“I can definitely see that path (for him to be a captain one day),” Rose said, “but I think the golf world has to make it happen as well.”

Asked if he would have objections to playing in a team captained by Poulter, Westwood “or whoever it might be”, McIlroy said: “It’s such a gray area. There are some that I would be fine with and I wouldn’t be fine with others.”

Josh Berhow

Editor of Golf.com

As managing editor of GOLF.com, Berhow handles the day-to-day and long-term planning of one of the most widely read sports news and service websites. He spends most of his days writingediting, planning and wondering if he’ll ever break 80. Before joining GOLF.com in 2015, he worked at newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa. A graduate of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn., he resides in the Twin Cities with his wife and two children. You can contact him at joshua_berhow@golf.com.