Rory McIlroy tells LIV Golf defectors Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter they CAN'T be Ryder Cup Team Europe captains ❌https://t.co/TwWnxSpYsYhttps://t.co/8LiLvq9Jiz
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) September 18, 2024
Rory McIlroy has expressed his opinion regarding the future of Ryder Cup captaincy for Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood– both renowned figures in European golf. As per McIlroy, their participation in the LIV Golf series may make it difficult for them to assume this esteemed position as it potentially disconnects them from Europe’s up-and-coming talent.
LIV’s Impact on Future Captaincy
Rory McIlroy highlighted the importance of current European team captain Luke Donald’s consistent presence at events, citing how Donald has built rapport with rising stars on the European Tour. McIlroy argued that this type of connection is vital for a successful Ryder Cup captain.
“You look at what Luke has done the last few years — he’s really made an effort to come over… He’s making an effort to be around the players and make the players feel comfortable with him,” McIlroy explained.
In contrast, McIlroy believes that Poulter and Westwood’s limited involvement with European Tour events makes it difficult for young players to build similar relationships with them.
While acknowledging Poulter’s stellar Ryder Cup record and passion for the event, McIlroy stated, “I just think with the current state of where everything is, you need someone that’s around and showing their face as much as they can.”
As long as Poulter and Westwood remain outside the regular European Tour rotation, Rory McIlroy suggests their chances of captaining a future Ryder Cup team are slim.
