Rory McIlroy says absence of LIV rebels allowed young players to shine

TEAM EFFORT: Europe captain Luke Donald with players, including Tyrrell Hatton and Rory McIlroy, celebrate with backroom staff after the final day of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry believe the absence of high-profile LIV rebels from Europe’s Ryder Cup team allowed younger members to shine.

Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio García – all icons for Europe in the biennial event – missed out on the 16½-11½ victory against the US in Italy after their switch to the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. Ludvig Åberg, Nicolai Højgaard, and Robert MacIntyre featured in the winning team as rookies with McIlroy among the more experienced members in the camp.