Ian Poulter, a Ryder Cup icon, was instrumental in Europe’s last away win at the 2012 Miracle of Medinah. However, his reputation took a hit after he joined LIV Golf, resigned from the DP World Tour, and refused to pay fines following sanctions — a bold move with lasting consequences.

Consequences include not being able to play for Europe again. He isn’t the only one to face that, however; fellow LIV pros Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, and Sergio Garcia are part of this tiny group. In a recent chat on Dan on Golf, Poulter shared his thoughts on this, saying, “We know what’s happened in the last couple of years.” But, of course, he exemplifies that with Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, two of the three LIV pros present in the Ryder Cup.

“They’re still widely accepted into the Ryder Cup family. And, unfortunately, some others aren’t,” Ian Poulter continues. “So, is it frustrating? Yeah, of course, it’s very frustrating, but I’m very hopeful, one day we can still be kind of helpful to, to Team Europe.” Of course, after his split from the DPWT, Poulter has largely been ignored as a possible teammate in the Ryder Cup. Yes, that is despite his 16 points from his 7 matches.

This isn’t the first time Poulter has discussed this particular treatment. In a recent Q&A on Instagram, Poulter said of the same issue, “Good question. Time will tell if we get accepted into the Ryder Cup family again, like Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm. I’d love to one day.” Rahm was the captain’s pick, while Hatton qualified automatically. Both the LIV pros have kept their DPWT membership active and have formally appealed the European tour sanctions. That is likely to be resolved after this Ryder Cup.

On the other hand, does that mean Poulter has completely given up on his chances in the Ryder Cup? Not really. In an exclusive with Al Arabiya early this season, Poulter replied, “Never say never right,” on a possible Ryder Cup return. “As it stands today that isn’t an option for me, but things change quite quickly like we’ve seen in the golf landscape, so let’s see how things play out, you never know.”

On the other hand, even Lee Westwood has shared similar frustration, especially in regard to Rahm and Hatton. “They have manipulated the situation. They haven’t paid their fines either, but their appeal dates have been pushed back until after the Ryder Cup. They have basically kicked the can down the road for those golfers.” Regardless, the frustration and bitter feelings among the pros remain. But are Poulter and Westwood wrong in their assumptions? One other LIV pro does not think so.

Graeme McDowell accuses the Ryder Cup of “high-level politics”

Graeme McDowell has had an illustrious career spanning two decades, with multiple PGA Tour titles and a major win at the 2010 U.S. Open Championship. He’s also found success in LIV Golf over the past four years, but (rightfully) believes his involvement might cost him a chance to captain Team Europe at the Ryder Cup. If nothing else, then the situation of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter is enough to signify the trouble waiting ahead.

In a recent interview, McDowell confessed, “Of course, I would love to captain Europe. Two years from now, it’s in Adare Manor, and I mean it would be the greatest moment of my life if I could stand up there.” Two decades ago, when the Ryder Cup was played in Ireland, McDowell had the chance to make it into the team. But fresh on the Tour, with little on his resume, he missed out on the chance.

And that’s something McDowell believes he may see a repeat of. This time, however, because of his LIV Golf association. “I understand what has happened, and it goes back to the fact that we didn’t envisage how deeply fractured the golf world would become. I thought the Ryder Cup was above all of that. It’s high-level politics, and it’s extremely disappointing because I love the Ryder Cup.” Whatever happens, however, expect such conversations to remain in the mainstream.