Rory McIlroy sounds off on LIV Golf again: "I just can't help myself"
Rory McIlroy once again made his feelings clear about LIV Golf as he prepares to make his debut at the Italian Open on the DP World Tour.
Rory McIlroy says the forthcoming Italian Open was "always part" of his schedule as he yet again reinforced the point that he does not believe LIV Golf players should be selected for the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy, 33, is teeing it up this week at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (the venue for next year's biennial showdown) on the DP World Tour for the very first time.
The Northern Irishman arrives in Rome fresh off another impressive performance at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Unfortunately, though, it was another case of so near yet so far. Shane Lowry pipped him by one stroke thanks to a magnificent eagle at the 72nd hole.
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Lowry later said he viewed his victory (his first in three years) as "one for the good guys" in a clear shot at the LIV Golf players.
McIlroy even went as far saying when it comes to the LIV Golf Invitational Series, he just can't help himself from being outspoken because he feels so strongly about it all.
McIlroy faced the media on Wednesday where he explained that he had committed to playing this event even before Luke Donald was named a Ryder Cup Europe captain, replacing Henrik Stenson.
He said next year's Italian Open - due to be held in May - would not be able to fit into his schedule.
McIlroy said he has already held discussions with Donald about how he thinks the course should be set up to favour the Europeans, who were dismantled 19-9 last September at Whistling Straits.
Both teams could look considerably different given the fact a huge number of players have joined LIV.
McIlroy was asked yet again about how he views the Ryder Cup team selections.
He said: "I have said it once I've said it a hundred times, I don't think any of those guys should be on The Ryder Cup team."
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McIlroy was asked if being the most outspoken anti-LIV player has helped him.
He told the media: "In a way. The leaderboard at Wentworth last week at about 2.00pm on Sunday was looking pretty grim if you were in a position that I hold, and that probably gave me some extra motivation and a few other guys on the leaderboard to get past that 14-under mark.
"It's a weird time in golf, and hopefully over the next couple years we can resolve it in some sort of way.
He continued: "But right now, look, I'm a golfer. I play golf. I maybe put myself in a conversation too much at times.
"But I can't help myself because I feel strongly about it. But it's up to the powers that be to try to come to some sort of, not resolution, I don't think that's the right word but a strategy going forward so that the game can drive at the highest level."
