ROME — What does Rory McIlroy think about a Ryder Cup that is missing Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter?
He said this on Wednesday at his pre-Ryder Cup Press Conference.
Garcia, Poulter, and Westwood are the pillars of the European team, with Poulter, Garcia and Westwood being the heart and soul. They would not have qualified or received a captain’s choice given their current games. However, they could have played a role in the backroom, perhaps as a vice-captain or other roles, if they hadn’t defected to LIV Golf, renounced their DP World Tour Membership, and made themselves ineligible for Ryder Cup. McIlroy said that the results of their decision to leave the DP World Tour for the riches offered by LIV will be evident this week.
He said, “I think that this week, of all weeks will be the one where it hits home for them. I think they’ll miss being here even more than we do.” It’s more that I think they are realizing this week that their decision has resulted in them not being a member of this week and that is tough. We’ll have to wait and see if they are a part of the future. The golf landscape is constantly changing and becoming more dynamic.
He said: “This week is a period of transition for the European Team. There are people who have been part the European Team for quite some time but they’re not here.” But I believe that the guys we brought in will be amazing. “Nicolai Hojgaard, Ludvig Aberg, Bob McIntyre are the future of both our team and of the Ryder Cup.”
McIlroy’s Euro teammate Jon Rahm, of Spain, told reporters that he had reached out to the old guard. This included Poulter and Garcia who, along with Rahm, were one of the bright spots at the Euros in Whistling Straits, 2021.
Rahm revealed that he had a brief chat with Poulter and Rahm. It’s not going to be easy for me to assume the roles that these two played on and off of the golf course. But just hearing them discuss what they think and feel is invaluable information.
McIlroy believes that the void left by the Euro team’s loss of senior leadership – Graeme McDowell, Henrik Stenson and others – will be filled. The European scouting visit to Marco Simone prior to the BMW Championship this month helped build the foundations for the team.
McIlroy stated, “I could not believe we had never done this before.” “We played the practice round to familiarize ourselves with the golf course, but I thought the time spent away from the course was fantastic. We shared stories and described our golf journeys and what the Ryder Cup meant to us around the fire. “It was great to get to know each other a bit better. Even people I had known for a very long time got to know me a little more.”
McIlroy shared with the younger players what he said about his role as a mentor and in the teamroom.
He said, “I don’t want anyone to look up at me.” “I want everyone to look at the side. I want everyone to look at me. I don’t like it when they look up at me. I want them see me as if I am on their level. There is no hierarchy in our team. We are one 12-man team, and we move forward together. That’s what I’ve been trying to convey to the younger players on the team.
McIlroy gave credit to Euro captain Luke Donald for setting the right mood for his team.
He said: “I believe Luke and his vice-captains have really kind of tapped into this emotional connection around Team Europe, and we all bought into it.” “It has been an incredible experience, and Wednesday is still not over.” Many great things are yet to come. “I couldn’t have been more excited to join the team and to have these other 11 guys as my teammates.”
