McIlroy Rejects Player-Captain Role in Ryder Cup
The current Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, has rejected the possibility of being player-captain of the European team in future editions of the Ryder Cup. The Northern Irish golfer argues that this dual role is unfeasible due to the large number of responsibilities involved in leading the team. Although McIlroy did not specify the exact date, it is presumed that the offer referred to the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be held at Adare Manor, Ireland.
McIlroy, currently number 2 in the world, is already qualified for the European team that will compete in the Ryder Cup next month at Bethpage Black, New York. On the other hand, Keegan Bradley, captain of the American team, is in tenth position in the ranking for the United States team. If Bradley manages to finish in the top six in this week’s tournament, he will automatically qualify. Otherwise, Bradley could use one of his six captain’s picks to include himself. Previously, Bradley stated that he would only be selected if he “feels he is going to help the team”.“The idea of being a playing captain at some point in the near future has come up, and I’ve dismissed it immediately,” McIlroy stated during a press conference at the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy
The last time a playing captain was seen at the Ryder Cup was in 1963, when Arnold Palmer led the U.S. team to a victory over the Europeans at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Bradley, for his part, has not yet decided what he will do. His goal is to play well enough in the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship to place among the top six.“I definitely think he’s one of the best 12 American players right now,” McIlroy commented. “That’s why everyone is so interested and it’s such a compelling case. I’m as interested as everyone else to see how it all unfolds.”
Rory McIlroy
