European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has confirmed his brother Christian is set to be a part of his team's plans despite being a LIV Golf caddie.
Since controversially forming last summer, one bib question mark surrounding the LIV Golf Series was whether its playing members would be allowed to compete in the Ryder Cup. Following LIV's first event last June the PGA Tour were quick to take action, suspending anyone who teed it up on the breakaway circuit.
And over in Europe the reaction was similar, with the DP World Tour able to financially sanction and suspend any of its members who compete in LIV Golf competition.
As far as qualification goes, this has left those competing on the Saudi-funded series all but ruled out, with them unable to compete for points on both the PGA and DP World Tour. Those on the European side hoping to qualify via their world ranking are also set to struggle, with yet to acquire world ranking points for its events.
It also remains unlikely that those competing on the rebel circuit will struggle to secure a spot via a captain's pick, due to the animosity between the two tours and LIV Golf. Despite a potential player snub, it seems there is still a way in for some LIV workers.
One man who is plying his trade in the Saudi-funded series is Donald's brother Christian, who currently caddies for HyFlyers GC star Brendan Steele. Despite his LIV connections, the European captain is keen to have his sibling involved in Rome later this year.
Asked on whether the caddie will be called up at this year's Ryder Cup, Donald said per Golfweek : "I hope so. We haven’t had a formal discussion but he was my buggy (cart) driver the last two times I served as vice captain.
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"There are different roles as a captain, but yeah, I think he’ll be there in some sort of role.” Donald also had his say on how he felt about his brother working on the Saudi-funded series, and insisted as a caddie he had no other option but to follow his player.
“No feelings, really," he said of Christian's LIV connections. "For someone who is 51 and has two kids under four, it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s going to know his schedule, he’s going to have guaranteed money, he’s going to travel less and be around his family. In terms of that, it’s a bonus. You go where your player goes.”
