Brooks Koepka has found an unlikely ally in his quest to play in the Ryder Cup.
Rory McIlroy believes Koepka “deserves” to play for the USA in the biennial teams event, but is still against LIV stars lining up alongside him for Europe.
While European LIV players who have resigned from the European Tour are ineligible for selection for the tournament, to be held in September, their American counterparts remain eligible as long as they meet the qualification requirements.
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As it stands, Koepka – who finished in a tie for second at the Masters in April, and then won his fifth major at the PGA Championship last month – is the only LIV player eligible for the USA.
“I certainly think Brooks deserves to be on the United States team,” McIlroy said.
“I think with how he’s played – he’s second in the US standings and only played two counting events.”
Earlier this week, world No.2 John Rahm said he would miss his fellow Spaniard and playing partner Sergio Garcia, and condemned the European Tour for banning the LIV players.
“I’m going to miss him. We had a great partnership at Whistling Straits,” he said.
“I’m going to mention history again one more time. A Spanish duo in the Ryder Cup … to me is embedded into the roots of the Ryder Cup. Look what Seve (Ballesteros) and (Jose Maria Olazabal) were able to do throughout their partnership, right.
“So it’s a little sad to me that politics have gotten in the way of such a beautiful event.”
Garcia is one of several Europeans – including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and captain Henrik Stenson – who would have been in contention for a spot on the side, before they resigned from the European PGA.
Eligibility aside, McIlroy said Koepka is the only LIV player currently playing well enough to deserve a place on the side.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone else on the LIV roster that would make the team on merit and how they’re playing,” McIlroy said.
“But I have different feelings about the European team and the other side and sort of how that has all transpired. I don’t think any of those guys should be a part of the European team.”
The Ryder Cup will be held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club outside Rome from September 25.
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