Albany, Bahamas ….
It is now official!
Rory McIlroy cannot enjoy the honour of becoming a future European Ryder Cup Captain.
This, in essence, is the view of European Tour CEO, Keith Pelley who revealed he’s spoken to McIlroy about his likely decision not to re-join the Tour in season 2019.
McIlroy shocked many, not only Pelley but 2019 Irish Open host, Paul McGinley when suggesting at the recent DP World Tour Championship, he was also considering just playing two ‘regular’ European Tour events next and that included not teeing-up in the Irish Open at Lahinch.
Keith Pelley confirms ‘rules’ say Rory McIlroy cannot become a future Ryder Cup captain is he fails to join the 2019 European Tour. (Photo – European Tour/Gettys)
McIlroy simply answered , ‘I’ve got 20-years, I’ve got 20-year’s’ when his possible captaincy plight was put to him in Dubai.
Pelley was present in the Bahamas to compete in the Hero World Challenge Pro-Am alongside Spaniard Jon Rahm and before returning to the UK spoke of his discussion with the four-time Major winning McIlroy.
“Rory and I have had discussions and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rory,” said Pelley.
“His number one goal right now is to get back to on top of the World Rankings and win Majors, and anytime he plays on our Tour we cherish it and it’s a privilege.
“So, when he plays will simply cherish it.
“But then yes, there is Ryder Cup captaincy implications should he not take-up European Tour membership though he’s not thinking of Ryder Cup captaincy in the very near future.”
When further quizzed if McIlroy’s chance of becoming a future Ryder Cup captain will be spoilt should he not take up 2019 Tour membership, Pelley was adamant it would deny McIlroy joining fellow Irish Darren Clarke, McGinley and likely 2020 European Team captain, Padraig Harrington is being a team captain.
He said: “Well, that’s what the rules state right now.
“Look, Rory and I chat regularly and we will continue to chat but like I said the Tour respects the decision that he makes and I will support him in every possible way.”
“We’ll have to see what happens.”
