On October 8 (Reuters), Ryder Cup captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald confirmed they are open to including LIV Golf players in their teams for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Speaking at a “Year to Go” press conference in New York, both captains addressed questions about selecting players from the Saudi-backed circuit.
Donald emphasized that if LIV players meet the DP World Tour’s eligibility requirements, they are available for selection, saying, “There’s a bunch of LIV guys… they are eligible now; so I can pick them at will.” Bradley, more straightforward in his response, noted that he plans to choose “the 12 best players,” regardless of where they play, but acknowledged it is too early to make definitive decisions.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner, was the only LIV golfer to compete at the 2023 Ryder Cup, having been a captain’s pick for the U.S. team. He remained eligible under a grace period, allowing him to retain his PGA of America membership through 2024. The PGA of America has since clarified that LIV players remain eligible for future U.S. Ryder Cup teams, while European LIV players can qualify as long as they retain their DP World Tour membership.
Donald revealed he has spoken with Sergio Garcia, Europe’s all-time leading points scorer, who is “very interested” in re-joining the DP World Tour after previously resigning his membership. If Garcia complies with the rules, he too could be eligible for selection. Bradley, meanwhile, indicated it’s too early to consider whether he might serve as a playing-captain at the 2025 Ryder Cup. His focus, for now, is on leading the team as captain.
Leave a Reply