‘Rules Have Been Changed Before’ – Harrington Wants European LIV Golfers At Ryder Cup
The 2021 Team Europe captain thinks the deal between the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and PIF means the players should be eligible


Thank you for signing up to Golf Monthly. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Padraig Harrington thinks LIV Golf players should be allowed to play for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup in the wake of the deal between the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Harrington, who captained Team Europe at Whistling Straits in 2021, told The Telegraph: “I think the Ryder Cup is going to have the LIV players back. Luke’s got to pick his best team at the end of the day. Absolutely. Wherever Luke can get his best team out there he should do that.“
The chances of European LIV golfers making the team had seemed almost non-existent following the DP World Tour’s victory in its legal battle against the players and the resignations of several from the Tour, including all-time record Ryder Cup points scorer Sergio Garcia.
However, the deal that shook the golf world earlier in the week may have reopened the door to the likes of Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson to compete at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in the biennial tournament after all.
That would require rule changes, in particular to those who had resigned, but Harrington doesn’t think it should be an obstacle. He continued: “I know the rules have to change but rules have been changed before. The whole idea of this new [agreement] is, look, let’s not do any harm or damage to anybody in this situation. What I’m suggesting is everybody’s given a kind of clean slate.”
Harrington also insisted some LIV Golf players would be worthy of selection. He said: “The [LIV players] definitely warrant consideration. They’re good players. I don’t know if they’re going to be selected in the top 12 players at this stage. But to suggest that there aren’t players capable of being Ryder Cup players over at LIV would be silly.”
One potential issue could be the rifts that had been opened as a result of players joining the circuit, most notably between former best friends Garcia and PGA Tour stalwart Rory McIlroy.
Again, though, Harrington doesn’t think it’s insurmountable. The Irishman has not always seen eye to eye with Garcia, either, and said: “For a week, you know, you get over it. Myself and Sergio used to hug at the Ryder Cup. When you are playing you get over these things. You work through it. You’d be surprised when you get in a team [environment] a bit of tension does help. You want a bit of drive in there.”
Garcia, Westwood and Poulter would likely be future captain material were it not for their moves to LIV Golf. Their resignations from the DP World Tour appeared to end any lingering hopes they had of taking on the role. However, Harrington thinks that has all changed with the announcement of the historic deal.
He said: “Absolutely I think it opens up again down the road. I think this opens it all back up. The next captain is not decided in any shape or form. But there did seem like a nice roll of captains going forward.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Tips on how to play better, latest equipment reviews, interviews with the biggest names and more.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
-
Northamptonshire County Golf Club Course Review
This underrated parkland course in the center of England presents an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels
By Joel Tadman Published
-
‘We’re Sitting On A Gold Mine’ – LPGA Tour Commissioner Seeks Cash Boost
Mollie Marcoux Samaan thinks there is an excellent opportunity to grow the women's game with new investment
By Mike Hall Published
-
European Ryder Cup Heroes To Make Immediate Return At Dunhill Links Championship
Three of Luke Donald's side are set to return from Italy and tee it up in Scotland later this week
By James Nursey Published
-
'My Head Was Spinning' - Why Max Homa Took An 'Incredible' Penalty Drop On The Final Hole At The Ryder Cup
Homa top scored for America in Rome with 3.5 points but benefited from a canny drop on the last in his Sunday singles
By James Nursey Published
-
'It’s Called Playing For A Hundred Bucks In Practice’ - How Europe Dominated The 1st Hole At Marco Simone
Luke Donald and Team Europe reveal the secrets behind their legendary fast starts in the 16.5-11.5 win over Team USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup
By James Nursey Published
-
Jordan Spieth Questions Ryder Cup Scheduling Amid Criticisms Over 'Disgraceful' USA Preparations
Spieth and captain Zach Johnson have responded to Europe regaining the Ryder Cup after an 16½-11½ defeat for USA at Marco Simone in Rome
By James Nursey Published
-
Will Luke Donald Get Another Two Years? Europe’s Ryder Cup Stars Hope So
Donald lifted the Ryder Cup at the trophy presentation where his team chanted: "Two more years" as they want him to stay in charge for 2025
By James Nursey Published
-
What Every Player Shot On Sunday At The Ryder Cup
Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in Rome after a thrilling final day as we look at what the pros shot
By James Nursey Published
-
'It Fuelled Me' Rory McIlroy Fights Back Tears After Ryder Cup Win
McIlroy made it four wins in Rome with a 3&1 victory over Sam Burns after using the previous day's bust-up as "fuel"
By James Nursey Published
-
PGA Tour Korean Stars Exempt From Mandatory Military Service
Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim represented their country in the Asian Games in China where South Korea won gold in the team golf event
By James Nursey Published