‘Just Shows How Mixed Up Everyone Still Is on LIV’: Golf World Reacts to Team Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick Siding With LIV Golf Defectors Over the 2023 Ryder Cup Team Selection

With only a few days left before the start of the 2023 year, many fans are already feeling the excitement for next year’s Ryder Cup. However, the question of unofficially rejecting LIV Golf players from participating in the International event has led to many reactions. The 2022 US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick was the recent one to share his thoughts on the defectors being rejected an entry in the upcoming Ryder Cup. His answer may not sit well with his fellow golfers at Team Europe.

Like many of his colleagues on the PGA Tour, Fitzpatrick too was rumored to join the LIV Golf. However, ahead of the Memorial Tournament earlier this year, he rejected the idea. Nonetheless, he did claim to reconsider the thought in case the Breakaway Tour becomes the ‘Main Tour’.

Now, while speaking to Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir, the English golfer shared his insights on LIV Golf players being avoided from next year’s Ryder Cup. Let’s take a look at what the 2022 US Open winner had to say.

Matt Fitzpatrick sides with LIV Golf players over Ryder Cup decision

Henrik Stenson, who was Team Europe’s captain at the 2023 Ryder Cup, was stripped of his role after joining the nemesis of the PGA Tour. The system of avoiding LIV Golf players at the Ryder Cup may continue furthermore. However, Team Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick isn’t a fan of this move.

The Englishman shed light on how the formation of the Saudi-backed Tour has hurt relations among the golfers. Nonetheless, Fitzpatrick’s top priority is to win. “I think there definitely are a few personal relationships that have been dented by this. I’m not bothered, I just want to win, and I’m sure those boys do too”, he said.

The 28-year-old then talked about one of the senior-most European players, Sergio Garcia. Fitzpatrick shares a great bond with the Spaniard. “Sergio would be the one that would stand out for me, particularly,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m happy to share a room with him, if that’s going to be the case. I can corner him off for everyone else”.

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Undoubtedly, Sergio Garcia is a legend of the game and would be a top asset for Team Europe next year. Nonetheless, the fans on Twitter had mixed reactions to Fitzpatrick’s words. Some respected the Englishman’s school of thought, while others rejected the idea of allowing LIV Golf stars to compete at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Golf fans react to Fitzpatrick’s thoughts on Garcia

Let’s take a look at what the golf fans on Twitter had to say:

The arrival of Sergio Garcia and fellow defectors at next year’s Ryder Cup can go either way. In case of a positive scenario, Team Europe would be stacked with experienced players as well as young golfers. Whereas in the negative outcome, sharing a dressing room with a player from the rival Tour can build a bigger wall among players.

What are your thoughts on Fitzpatrick’s words? Let us know in the comments section below.

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