Team Europe golfer Rory McIlroy hits his fairway shot on the 14th hole during a practice day for the Ryder Cup golf competition at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ryder Cup: Rory McIlroy says Team Europe doesn't miss LIV golfers

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/27/23

If you were having withdrawals without the constant soap opera-esque sniping between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, have no fear: Rory McIlroy is the doctor with your much-needed dose of drama.

The Irishman is representing Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup this week, and the team looks a bit different this time around since LIV Golf defectees weren't made eligible to compete. (Remember, Henrik Stenson was originally captain of Team Europe but was stripped of the honors because he defected to LIV. And he isn't the only one to be disinvited.)

Naturally, McIlroy was asked during his media availability ahead of the biennial team tournament what it was like to not have Ryder Cup staples like Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood at the event this time around.

"It's certainly a little strange not having them around," McIlroy said this week, before adding, "but I think this week, of all weeks, it's going to hit home with them that they're not here.

"I think they're going to miss being here more than we're missing them."

"They're going to miss being here more than we're missing them"

Rory McIlroy says "it will hit home" for LIV Golf players that cannot participate at the Ryder Cup ⛳ pic.twitter.com/3JCGpOj9lq
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 27, 2023

McIlroy followed up the jab by saying he doesn't know what the future holds for said golfers.

"The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we'll see what happens and whether they'll be part of it in the future," McIlroy said.

Rory holing this insane flop shot today proceeded by Shane taking the ball and tossing it in the water

The vibes are 10/10 at the #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/oaOqasZ4RY
— Rory McIlroy Tracker (@RMTracker) September 26, 2023

It's no secret how McIlroy feels about LIV Golf, even as his friendships with some of its golfers have evolved. He has maintained a very public friendship with Brooks Koepka, who is the only LIV golfer to make either Ryder Cup team. McIlroy even reportedly mended fences with Garcia over the summer -- although those comments this week about LIV golfers not being missed are sure to ruffle Garcia's feathers a bit.

Nevertheless, McIlroy's comments are out there for fans to chew on while he turns his attention to the competition at hand. Team Europe hasn't lost on home soil in 30 years and is looking for redemption after being toppled by Team USA at Whistling Straits in 2021. The European side is a very narrow +100 favorite at DraftKings to win the tournament, with Team USA listed at +105.

The 44th Ryder Cup tees off from Marco Simone Country Club outside of Rome on Friday, Sept. 29.

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