Luke Donald on DP World Tour resignations: "It's sad we've got to this point"

But European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald admits he now has "more clarity" about his squad.

04 May 2023

Luke Donald on DP World Tour resignations: "It's sad we've got to this point" — Luke Donald on DP World Tour resignations: "It's sad we've got to this…

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has told BBC Sport it's "sad" to see a number of Europe's finest players rip up their cards on the DP World Tour but that their decisions have given him greater "clarity" about his team ahead of Rome.

Donald was speaking less than 24 hours after news emerged LIV Golf quartet Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Richard Bland chose to resign as members of the former European Tour circuit.

It is understood more LIV Golf players with DP World Tour membership will follow suit over the coming days.

Luke Donald on DP World Tour resignations:

This means none of them will be able to play any part in the European Ryder Cup team either as players or captains in the future.

Westwood, a 25-time winner on the circuit, has since ripped into the DP World Tour after terminating his membership.

Donald, who took over as European Ryder Cup captain last year as a result of Henrik Stenson bolting to LIV, told BBC Sport:

"It's sad we've got to this point but this was always a possibility.

"I played with all three and they've been stalwarts of, and given a lot to, both the Ryder Cup and European Tour."

"I have a little more clarity now," added the 45-year-old Englishman, who played in four Ryder Cups from 2004 until 2012 and was on the winning side on each occasion.

"I know they're not an option to play in, or be any part of my team."

Donald added:

"It is a shame. They've got a lot of history when it comes to the Ryder Cup.

"Ultimately this is their choice and I wish them well.

"They feel like this was the best choice for them and now I've got choices to make that are best for me."

What have you made of this week's news about DP World Tour resignations? Is it a blow to the European Ryder Cup team at large moving forwards? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.