28 February 2023 , 23:03
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The latest reported developments in the saga between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour could have a big effect on the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
Earlier this month, a Sports Resolutions Panel oversaw a five day arbitration hearing which will ultimately decide if LIV rebels can participate in DP World Tour events, and therefore earn ranking points. An outcome to the case was initially expected to be revealed by the beginning of March.
European team captain Luke Donald has been waiting patiently for the outcome, with the Englishman still in the dark over who will be eligible for his 12-man squad in September. But it appears that the man who replaced Henrik Stenson, stripped of the role over his own defection, won't be able to make concrete plans anytime soon.
According to the Daily Mail, the previous expectation for a decision is wishful thinking, and a more realistic estimate is between two and four months. That means the issue may not be resolved until after the US Masters takes place in April.
But a worst case scenario for Donald would see the saga drag out until midway through June. Europe's bid to regain the trophy gets underway on September 29, meaning the 45-year-old could have little more than three months to formulate a team.
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The eventual verdict could have implications far beyond golf's most famous team tournaments though. If the DP World Tour prevails, they will be permitted to ban members who have signed for LIV, ultimately preventing them from freelancing between tours.
Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter are two Ryder Cup icons to have joined LIV (PA)European Ryder Cup icons Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, and of course Stenson, have all thrown their future participation in the event into doubt by opting for the millions on offer in Greg Norman's venture. Spaniard Adrian Otaegui, who played in the LIV series last year, is currently in contention for automatic qualification.
Belgian Thomas Pieters, who secured a rookie-record four points on his Ryder Cup debut in 2016, also looked destined to be part of Donald's side later this year. But he too defected just before the 2023 LIV season began.
Back in 2021, Europe were dealt a devastating defeat in Wisconsin. With away fans not allowed to travel due to the impact of Covid, the youngest US team in its history romped to a 19-9 victory.