Having become world No. 1 again this Sunday by winning the CJ Cup (PGA Tour), Rory McIlroy, more than ever the standard-bearer of European golf on American soil, underlined in an interview with the Guardian his very strong bitterness towards vis- à-vis some of his former Ryder Cup teammates who decided to join the breakaway League backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The Northern Irishman thus described the action of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell as “disruptive” There was a big opportunity for GMac (Graeme McDowell) to possibly be captain at Adare in 2027.
Most of Sergio’s (Garcia) legacy is based around the Ryder Cup, same for Poulter, Westwood …
Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy, statements
“I think this is the first time in my life that I feel betrayed, in a way, he regrets.
It’s an unfamiliar feeling to me. You build relationships with people thanks to the Ryder Cup in particular, but not only. What they have done (joining LIV Golf) is going to prevent them from being part of it (the European team) again.
There was a big opportunity for GMac (Graeme McDowell) to possibly be captain at Adare (Republic of Ireland) in 2027. Most of Sergio’s (Garcia) legacy is based on the Ryder Cup (record holder absolute in this competition with 28.5 points), as well as for Poulter, Westwood…” “I would like to think that the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me.
Maybe yes. But knowing what the consequences might be, I could never make that decision (to play for LIV Golf). Well, it’s not 100% sure yet but it could happen (they get kicked out of the European Ryder Cup squad). I thought they felt the same as me.
» If people felt so wronged by certain things, I would have preferred them to try to make these changes inside the institutions rather than going outside and being the disruptive element.
Rory McIlroy “So yes, I started playing in Europe before going to America but I always supported the system in place, he adds.
If people felt so wronged by certain things, I would have preferred them to try to make those changes inside the institutions rather than going outside and being the disruptive element. » In this rich interview, Rory McIlroy obviously addresses the “war” which is currently tearing LIV Golf and other Tours such as the PGA Tour and, to a lesser degree for the moment, the DP World Tour.
“If both entities continue in this direction, it will only get worse. If so, we are going to have a fractured sport for a long time. And it’s not good for anyone, “he warns before scratching the Australian Greg Norman, the Director of LIV Golf.
“He found people to finance his vendetta against the PGA Tour, he concludes. I think he’s hiding behind “this force for good, and all that…” when it’s been his dream for 30 years. There, he finally found people who can finance this dream!”