Rory McIlroy says no LIV personalities helped him win the Euro Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy said the Ryder Cup lacked the „big personalities” of LIV golfers Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, allowing others to step into leadership roles and giving younger players room to grow in the tournament.

Garcia, Westwood and Poulter did not participate in Europe’s victory over the United States at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club after decisions to join the Saudi-backed LIV circuit and the resignation of their DB World Tour memberships.

The trio played a key role in the Ryder Cup over the years.

Garcia is Europe’s record points scorer with 28.5 points from 10 appearances, while Westwood has finished on the winning side seven times with 24 points from 11 appearances at the biennial event.

Poulter played in seven Ryder Cups and helped win five in Europe, earning him the nickname 'The Postman’ for his tremendous performances.

„They’ve had incredible Ryder Cup careers, they’ve done what they wanted, they’ve done what they’ve done, and nobody can take away the impact they’ve had on the European team over the years,” McIlroy, 34, said.

„But I feel this week, not having those big personalities in the team room gives other guys a chance to thrive and shine: Victor (Hovland), John (Rahm), myself.

„There’s not a ton of space in that room taken up by some of the other big personalities, and I think let other teams thrive. It’s a young team. We can all grow together.

„Next time I can be the oldest person on the team. It’s a new era. And it’s great.”

Shane Lowry admits victory in Rome could be the start of a new era as they shift their focus to New York’s Bethpage event in 2025.

„I think so, I’m not talking about the 12 players here. I’m talking about Rasmus Højgaard, Vincent Norman and Adrian Meronc,” Lowry said.

„Look at all the young players coming through in Europe, we have a great foundation for the future and I think it’s a great opportunity to look forward to.”