Rory Mcllroy believes Europe’s absent LIV golfers will “miss being here more than we are missing them” ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup.
After a record-breaking defeat in 2021, Europe will do battle in Rome this weekend without Ryder Cup stalwarts Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood following their defection to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf series.
McIlroy admitted it was strange not having them around and thinks this week is one when they may regret their decision.
He said: “I think this week of all weeks, it is going to hit home with them that they are not here; they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them.
“It is just more of a realisation that the decision they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough.
“The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we’ll see what happens and whether they will be part of it in the future.
“Everyone knows this is a bit of a transitional period for the European team.”
McIlroy will make his seventh Ryder Cup appearance this weekend but insists he doesn’t want to be viewed any differently from the other European players.
“I’m not there giving rallying cries and speeches. When we came on the practice trip I said to every guy that I don’t want anyone looking up to me,” he added.
“I want them looking over to me. I want them to see me like I’m on their level and there’s no hierarchy on our team.
“I guess that’s the one message I’ve tried to relay to some of the younger guys on the team.”
