When it comes time for captain Zach Johnson to round out the United States Ryder Cup roster in 2023, the LIV Golf Series is unlikely to receive consideration.
That would include two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, who resigned membership from the PGA Tour, and other Americans with Ryder Cup experience, including Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
“So what I know is this: In order to play on the Ryder Cup team whether you’re top six or a pick, you must garner Ryder Cup points through the PGA of America,” Johnson said ahead of the John Deere Classic. “In order to garner Ryder Cup points through the PGA of America, you have to be a member of the PGA of America. The way that we’re members of the PGA of America is through the PGA Tour. I’ll let you connect the dots from there.”
In short, the dots don’t currently connect for players in the LIV Golf Series targeting Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup events. Team Europe captain Henrik Stenson would not comment on whether LIV Golf Series players are eligible to play for Team Europe, including international competition mainstay Sergio Garcia.
The status of players on the LIV could change ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy.
Zach Johnson said his status on the PGA Tour will not change, but he understands the rationale of some of the players he called “my guys” who have defected.
“I got some friends that have decided to go that route,” Zach Johnson said. “A lot of individuals that I’m for. I mean these are my friends. I’m for them. I want them to do well. I want them to, you know, find contentment or happiness in whatever it may be. It’s not for me to say how that develops or how they find that. I will say I have the utmost respect for them individually.”
–Field Level Media
