Paul McGinley names only LIV Golf 'rebel' who would blend into Ryder Cup side!

Former Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley can foresee a scenario where Luke Donald can blend LIV Golf players into his team.

Ben Smith

13 Apr 2023

Paul McGinley names only LIV Golf 'rebel' who would blend into Ryder Cup side! — Paul McGinley names only LIV Golf 'rebel' who would blend into Ryder Cup…

Three-time Ryder Cup player and 2014 winning captain Paul McGinley can foresee a scenario where Luke Donald picks in-form LIV Golf players, but only ones that haven't created 'anti-Tour' noise.

McGinley is not shy of an opinion. When the DP World Tour won their arbitration hearing, the Irishman said it was a 'day tinged with sadness'.

The decision will have a profound impact on the future of the Tour. Essentially, the European-based circuit has got their leverage back.

LIV Golf players will be allowed to return once they pay their fines, but the terms of their entry will now be dictated by chief executive Keith Pelley, his right-hand man Guy Kinnings, the players, the players committee and the board.

The aforementioned Donald now has a bit more clarity over the situation.

And McGinley believes if Donald, 45, were to 'blend' LIV players into the team, the new dynamic would be difficult to manage.

However he wouldn't put it past Donald picking a LIV player if they were to win a major and haven't heavily criticised the Tour in public.

Lee Westwood has been vocal. Don't even get Poulter started on birthdays.

In comments to Golf Digest's John Huggan, McGinley said:

"To be honest, the Ryder Cup won't really be part of the DP World Tour's dealings with the LIV players.

"Not this year. It's really too late. Relationships between those who went to LIV and tour loyalists are not going to mend in three or four months. Which is not to say that, technically at least, Luke won't be allowed to make any decision he wants.

"He won't be forced to pick someone or not pick someone. But I also know that, if he did blend LIV players into the team or as part of his back-room squad, a new dynamic would be created, one that would be very difficult to manage.

"Luke has enough on his hands with the strength of the American team and the changing of our old guard to one largely new, without trying to manage relationships within the camp."

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He added:

"Nothing will be ruled out, of course. If, say, Martin Kaymer was to win two major championships this year, he would have to be considered. Unlike, say, Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood, he hasn't created a lot of anti-tour noise.

"He's a nice guy. If anyone could be blended in, assuming he was also playing unbelievably well, it is him. So, of course, Luke will keep his options open."

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