LIV Golf’s Uncertain Future at the 2025 Ryder Cup: Challenges for Team Selection
As LIV Golf disrupts the world of golf, Ryder Cup captains discuss how it impacts their plans for the 2025 event.
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, LIV Golf continues to stir debate, creating new complexities for team captains preparing for the prestigious competition. With the event slated for September 26-28 at Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York, the eligibility of LIV Golf players has emerged as a significant topic of discussion during a recent media event featuring U.S. and European captains.
Unlike the Presidents Cup, where LIV golfers were excluded, there is no blanket ban preventing LIV players from participating in the Ryder Cup. However, the lack of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points at LIV tournaments has complicated the qualification process. Players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm face challenges in securing automatic selection, making captain’s picks a key consideration for both teams.
“I’m going to pick the 12 best players,” said U.S. captain Keegan Bradley. “If that includes one or two guys from LIV, then that’s what we’ll do.”
The PGA of America, which manages the U.S. team, has confirmed that LIV players remain eligible for selection, separate from PGA Tour regulations.
For Team Europe, the situation is not so straightforward. To qualify, players must maintain membership in the DP World Tour—a sticking point for many LIV golfers who left the tour to avoid fines. Luke Donald, Europe’s captain, replaced Henrik Stenson in 2023 after Stenson’s decision to join LIV cost him the captaincy. Donald acknowledged the difficulty in balancing these regulations with team selection.
Rahm, who is reportedly facing a $1 million fine from the DP World Tour, has managed to stay eligible by playing in recent DP World Tour events.
“I was glad to see Jon do what was necessary to remain eligible,” said Donald.
The European team is also keeping an eye on other LIV players like Tyrrell Hatton, who recently won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and Sergio García, who is considering rejoining the DP World Tour.
“Sergio knows the process and what’s required. The decision is up to him,” Donald added.
As both captains weigh their options, the 2025 Ryder Cup will undoubtedly reflect the ongoing shifts in the golf world. Whether LIV Golf players will have a prominent role remains to be seen, but the impact of the controversial tour on team selection is already being felt.
Thanks for reading, David Skilling
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