Rory McIlroy has handed out a dig at Europe’s absent LIV rebels ahead of the 44th Ryder Cup. Europe’s record points scorer Sergio Garcia, joint-record appearance holder Lee Westwood and Miracle of Medinah hero Ian Poulter are not part of the team for Rome.
They failed to qualify after their switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. It leaves a big hole in experience for Europe but McIlroy says the grandees have made their own beds and are surplus to requirements at Marco Simone.
“I mean it’s certainly a little strange not having them around but I think this week of all weeks, it’s going to hit home with them that they are not here,” said McIlroy. “I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them.
“It’s just more I think this week is a realisation that the decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week and that’s tough.
“The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we’ll see what happens and whether they will be part of it in the future but I always thought leading up to this week is when it’s going to hit home that they are not going to be here.”
However, the peace deal between LIV and the established tours has calmed the stormy waters between the different factions.
Jon Rahm revealed he was in touch with Garcia, his playing partner at Whistling Straits two years ago, earlier this week – and Poulter – over stepping up as a team leader in their absence.
“I did talk to him and ask for advice. He did show me a lot of what to do at Whistling and obviously in Paris, as well, so I did have a little bit of a chat with him – and with Poulter as well,” said Rahm.
“Not that it’s going to be easy to take on the role that those two had both on and off the golf course, but just to hear them talk about what they thought and what they felt is obviously invaluable information.”
