Team Europe is missing some big names from this year’s Ryder Cup squad, some for the first time in three decades. Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter all are big names who became ineligible to play in the Ryder Cup due to their defection to LIV Golf. However, Rory McIlroy, arguably, the biggest name in this year’s European team, did not appear to be very sympathetic to their tragic fate.

The four-time major winner has always been abundantly clear about his views about the Saudi-funded league. Once again, asked about Garcia and Co.’s absence, the 34-year old golfer made it clear that it was something the players “brought upon themselves.”

Rory McIlroy takes a dig at his former Ryder Cup comrades

LIV golfers’ absence from the Ryder Cup has always been a thorny topic on both sides of the Atlantic. When PGA merged with LIV, breaking the barrier for LIV golfers to join Team USA, some saw a glimmer of hope for the European veterans too. However, fate played a cruel trick on them as DP remained adamant about excluding LIV golfers from the prestigious tournament.

McIlroy was asked about how he felt about the exclusion of the veterans. Admitting their absence is odd, he said, “I mean, it’s certainly a little strange not having them around.” Although, echoing past sentiments, the six-time Ryder Cup veteran, remarked it’s going to sting them more than the players of the current Ryder Cup team: “I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them.”

Furthermore, taking a slight dig at his former teammates, the Northern Irish golfer added, “(T)he decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough.” However, keeping in mind that DP’s possible deal with LIV might open the doors again for the veterans, McIlroy further added, “The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we’ll see what happens and whether they will be part of it in the future.”

Let’s not forget, Garcia is still the record points scorer for Europe, tallying 28.5 points from his 10 appearances. Westwood, on the other hand, played in 11 events, winning seven, while Poulter won five times in his seven appearances.

Perhaps, that explains why McIlroy’s teammate, Jon Rahm felt the need to get in touch with his Spanish compatriot, and playing partner at Whistling Straits, Sergio Garcia. Rory McIlroy, however, hasn’t backed away an inch from his previous position regarding LIV Golf.

Read More: Is Sergio Garcia a Part of the 2023 Ryder Cup Thanks to Fellow Supporter Jon Rahm?

McIlroy has never been a big fan of LIV Golf

When LIV’s big money proposals came knocking at their doors, many European golfers, including legends Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, jumped ship. Facing sanctions up to £800,000, they cut ties with the DP World Tour eventually. Garcia, notably, wanted to settle scores by paying over 8x the fine DP World Tour imposed on him, but to no avail.

The 16-time DP World Tour winner has been totally on the other side of the spectrum. “If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth, I would retire.” These were his exact words when the news of LIV’s proposal for the Northern Irish golfer broke out.

It is to be noted that, it’s not just players who are bearing the brunt of this rift. Former vice-captains Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson also moved to LIV and have been snubbed at this year’s Ryder Cup. Stenson was even handed the European captaincy until he joined LIV.

Watch this story:  As compatriots gear up for the Ryder Cup, LIV golfer Sergio Garcia’s $867345 worth plea suffers a brutal rejection from the officials