In response to being disqualified, a resentful LIV Golf rebel makes his views on the Ryder Cup crystal clear.
This weekend marks the start of the Ryder Cup, and despite being disqualified from competing after competing on the LIV Golf circuit, a former member of Team Europe plans to watch the action.
Despite his disappointment at not being selected, Graeme McDowell will continue to follow this year’s Ryder Cup.
The Northern Irishman no longer participates in the DP World Tour as a result of his decision to play LIV Golf, which disqualified him from this year’s Team Europe.
When he hit the shot at the 2010 Ryder Cup that gave Team Europe the victory at Celtic Manor, it was one of the best plays of the 44-year-old’s career.
He has competed in the prestigious team event four times in total, and on two of those occasions, his teams won.
Those years were 2012 and 2014.
McDowell is resentful that his decision to compete on the Saudi-sponsored circuit prevented him from being chosen, but he still plans to watch this weekend’s action in France.
As McDowell put it, “I adore the Ryder Cup.”.
It is unique to me.
And it will continue to be.
I’m making a concerted effort to suppress the slight bit of bitterness I’m feeling.
There is no animosity toward anyone. I don’t belong in the eco-system, and that makes me bitter.
But I’m making an effort to keep that from obscuring my true emotions.
“With my Ryder Cup teammates, I’ve shared some of the most memorable moments of my life.
And I had fun with my two vice captains.
The situation is a little sour for me this year, though.
Just have to keep in mind how awesome everything is.
No, I don’t have any grudges.
I am aware of the reasons behind my absence.
“I recently texted [European vice-captain] Edoardo Molinari to express my desire to be in Rome.
Sincerely, I agree.
If the 2010 US Open champion had been able to be chosen, his performance might not have been good enough to get him a spot on Team Europe.
McDowell tied for 32nd place at the LIV Golf event in Chicago this past weekend, 11 shots back of winner Bryson DeChambeau.
The season’s best result for McDowell is a tie for 11th place.
Other European golfers like Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia were also ineligible for the Ryder Cup because they chose to represent LIV Golf and left the DP World Tour as a result.
Garcia has the most points for Team Europe with 281.2 from 10 appearances, and Poulter has five victories from seven starts.
Upon reflection, according to McDowell, the only LIV player who had a genuine chance of being chosen for Team Europe this year was the Spaniard.
Who among the LIV players could have made the 12?
I’m not sure, maybe with the exception of Sergio Garcia, McDowell said.
“Perhaps Paul Casey, if he had been in top shape.
Lee, Ian, and I haven’t played as well as we could have. The schedule of games we’ve played hasn’t helped either.
Still a very talented player, Henrik.
But I doubt any of us would have made the 12. Maybe a pick if things were different, but definitely not me.
Not even close, I promise.
To assist Luke, I would have loved to have been a member of the vice-captain team.
Although, it is what it is.
I acknowledge the state of the world as it is at this moment.
“.
After losing to Team USA 19-9 at Whistling Straights in 2021, Team Europe is trying to reclaim the Ryder Cup.
For the first time in 30 years, the Americans are attempting to take home the trophy in Europe.
Additionally, a victory would be the first time in three decades that the USA had kept the title.
