A golf rule convinced Rory McIlroy to keep DP World Tour membership
A decision tied to the Ryder Cup
McIlroy said his wish to captain Europe in the Ryder Cup made keeping his DP World Tour membership an easy decision. He said he had discussed the issue with Keith Pelley and considered the consequences of the rules.
McIlroy explained that giving up membership meant losing the chance to be a Ryder Cup captain or vice captain. He said the rule was widely understood.
Membership rules for former players
Several European Ryder Cup regulars joined LIV, including Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson. The rule did not prevent those players from being chosen for a Ryder Cup team.
However, players who left the tour could no longer serve as captains or vice captains. Stenson was removed as captain for 2023.
Garcia plans to return
Garcia recently announced he was leaving LIV and would join the DP World Tour next season. He also said he wanted to be involved in the Ryder Cup again.
McIlroy made his remarks at a pre-tournament press conference, his first since the latest LIV news. He also discussed what he called golf’s “false economy” era and LIV’s desire to create an “arms race” in professional golf.
Key points
- McIlroy said he wants to captain Europe in the Ryder Cup one day.
- Giving up DP World Tour membership meant losing captain and vice captain eligibility.
- Former players could still be selected for the Ryder Cup team.
- Sergio Garcia said he would leave LIV and join the tour next season.