The Ryder Cup will be soon upon us, but the selection of players on each side is up in the air. The sanctions against the LIV Golf Series meant several star names were expected to miss out on the prestigious event, with many having to resign their membership contracts.

However, the announcement of golf’s biggest merger has re-united all players under the same umbrella. But how does it affect participation at the Ryder Cup, and why has a LIV golfer shot across Rory McIlroy’s conflicting comment around Brooks Koepka’s selection?

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Can LIV golfers tee up at the 2023 Ryder Cup?

With a lot happening in the golf world right now, numerous professionals have come forward and expressed their feelings about the merger. Among them is English golfer Richard Bland, who got an opportunity to express his views in an interview recently.

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The LIV member discussed a number of topics in detail, including the Ryder Cup selection headache. Having relinquished his DP Tour membership alongside several other players, Bland had little hope of making it to Rome later this year.

However, the merger could very well change that aspect, but what remains of his nullified contract with the European Tour remains to be seen. The mood has certainly shifted, with LIV golfers now in contention for Ryder Cup spots. But a recent comment from British golfer Rory McIlroy left Bland fuming.

LIV golfer lashes out at Rory McIlroy’s ironic Ryder Cup comment about Koepka

Ahead of the Memorial Tournament, four-time major championship winner McIlroy fielded questions regarding players eligible for the Ryder Cup, in which he had no problems with PGA Championship holder Brooks Koepka.

“I certainly think Brooks deserves to be on the United States team,” McIlroy said, despite Koepka’s LIV allegiance. “I think with how he’s played, I mean, he’s second in the U.S. standings, only played two counting events… But Brooks is definitely a guy who deserves I think to be on the U.S. team.”

Ironically, he shut down any openings in his own European camp, which prompted Bland to show his displeasure. “How is he coming out and saying that Brooks should be playing in America, or the American team, but any European shouldn’t be playing?” the 50-year-old raged.

Indeed, Bland further questioned whether winning a major championship was an unofficial gateway to a Ryder Cup selection and whether the outcome by a former DP Tour member in the US Open could force another bypass. “You don’t have an argument. It’s okay for some to play, but not others. I don’t understand it,” he claimed.

Do you think LIV golfers should be allowed to play in the Ryder Cup? Will the merger become a hurdle in golf moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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