Everything LIV Golf players have said about Ryder Cup after missing tournament
Several LIV Golf players have been reacting to the Ryder Cup from afar over recent days after missing out on featuring at the tournament.
Even without Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, Team Europe ran out worthy winners at Marco Simone. Instead, it was a returning Rory McIlroy and relative Ryder Cup newcomer Viktor Hovland, who played the role of veterans on this team alongside Justin Rose.
Their LIV-less team took the 16.5 - 11.5 win over their American opponents, who, in Brooks Koepka, had the only LIV player at the tournament. However, the lack of LIV presence in Rome did not stop those watching at home from having their say about affairs. Here is a rundown of how four of the most prominent absentees reacted.
READ MORE: Team Europe star puts himself forward as Ryder Cup captain with Luke Donald view clear
Lee Westwood
Team Europe stalwart Lee Westwood was active on social media right across the weekend. Asked by one fan whether he was missing the feeling of playing a part on the course, the former world number one was adamant that was not the case.
Bubba Watson shares details of horror knee injury ahead of LIV Golf debut"You know, I don’t (miss being a part of it)," Westwood replied on X (previously Twitter ). "(It's the) first time I’ve watched one for 28 years, and I enjoyed the different perspective, but knowing what I know now."
Ian Poulter
Five-time Ryder Cup winner Ian Poulter was another LIV rebel making themselves heard on social media. "I couldn't be more proud to see this great team win back the Ryder Cup," he posted on . "You just don't see emotion like it at any other event. Enjoy the night, lads, and congratulations."
Sergio Garcia
After being denied in a last-ditch effort to enter Team Europe, Sergio Garcia already has his eyes on the next edition. The Spaniard seemingly endorsed the notion of him returning to the team in two years.
The son of LIV Golf chief executive and commissioner Greg Norman, Greg Jr., proposed the idea of Garcia replacing Luke Donald when the tournament returns Stateside.
He posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. Captain Tiger Woods vs. Captain Sergio Garcia," which the latter reposted.
Graeme McDowell
The 2010 US Open champion addressed reporters about his own Ryder Cup future just days after the end of play in Italy. Speaking before the International Series Singapore, unlike Garcia, Graeme McDowell is realistic about how likely he is to return to the fold.
“I knew the consequences of the potential downside and not being able to be a Ryder Cup captain and part of the Ryder Cup ecosystem. I made my peace with that a long time ago,” the Northern Irishman said.
“I’m disappointed it has turned out this way and fracturing the sport. I hope there are better times ahead for the world of golf. I’ve been the vice-captain twice, and I feel I could bring a lot to the European team,” he told reporters.