McIlroy’s LIV dig: Westwood and Poulter will miss us more than we miss them

‘I always thought leading up to this week is when it’s going to hit home that they are not going to be here,’ says Rory McIlroy. Photograph: David Davies/PA

Rory McIlroy has taken a swipe at European LIV rebels by insisting Sergio García, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood will rue missing the Ryder Cup more than their absence will be felt by the European team in Rome.

García, Poulter and Westwood have been stalwarts for Europe in Ryder Cups. Henrik Stenson was originally named as the captain for this week’s staging of the tournament. That the quartet switched to the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Tour triggered a breakdown in relationships with the European Tour Group, so none of them will take on playing or backroom responsibilities at Marco Simone. Stenson was basically sacked and replaced by Luke Donald.