“Don’t think that would make a difference,” Rory McIlroy takes SAVAGE dig at exclusion of European LIV Golfers at Ryder Cup
Current world number two Rory McIlroy has once again taken a swipe at European LIV golfer and said they will not ne able to make much of a difference at Ryder Cup.
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Rory McIlroy at the press conference (Pic Credit: SB Nation)
The preparation for the Ryder Cup intensifies with each passing day. The distinguished team tournament between the USA and Europe is inching closer. These have led to team captains picking out their players and forming strategies. Ahead of the Tour Championship, Rory McIlroy made a huge claim and said having no LIV Golfers on Team Europe will not affect them.
After the inauguration of the LIV Golf, several players resigned from their memberships from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. The players were later labeled as “defectors” and were bashed heavily for their move to the Saudi-backed tour. This also made a huge impact on the Ryder Cup as European captain, Henrik Stenson was stripped from his leadership roles.
Following their moves, some changes were made. The DP World Tour which runs the circuit for European golfers has barred players from LIV from being selected for the biennial tournament. Mcilory has now spoken confidently and thinks that they (European LIV stars) would not make much impact for them anyway.
“No. I don’t think it would make a difference for us,” the current world number two said. He has never hidden his hatred towards the breakaway tour and hoped to see them being punished despite the merger. Unlike Team Europe, the US Team could pick some LIV stars. However, it seems that only Brooks Koepka could make that cut for the tournament.
Can Team Europe bounce back with a young team in Rome?
When it comes to the Ryder Cup tournaments, the US Team has had a slight edge over their opponents. They will also enter this tournament as the defending champions and will be hoping to retain their crown. While Team US has plenty of experience on their side, Team Europe is comparatively younger. So can they bounce back from the 2021 defeat and bring home the cup?
The US Team comprises current world number Scottie Scheffler and two current major winners in Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman. They can also call upon the services of two former major winners in Justin Thomas and LIV star Brooks Koepka. Team Europe on the other hand was dealt significant damage as Ryder Cup greats Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, and Richard Bland resigned from the DP World Tour.
However, Team Europe does have three players in the top five of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). The experience of Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy along with Viktor Hovland will be important for them. McIlroy recently also claimed that he was happy with Hovland being on his team following the Norwegian’ triumph at the BMW Championship.
The Ryder Cup qualification for Europe will last a bit longer than their rivals. This gives Captain Luke Donald plenty to think about. The likes of Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrell Hatton, and Tommy Fleetwood could be the three to take the automatic qualification spots. Who joins them for the battle in Rome will be something to watch out for as the excitement starts to grow in the hearts of fans.
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Vinay Dave
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