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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

Shane Lowry admits he 'can't stand' presence of certain LIV players at Wentworth

Shane Lowry has admitted that he "can't stand" the presence of certain LIV Golf players at this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Offaly man believes that a number of the 17 LIV Golf members teeing it up at the DP World Tour event are trying to be "disruptive".

He told Sky Sports News: "This is a big talking point in the world of golf and here this week.

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy admits relationship has been damaged with Ryder Cup team-mates

"I personally can't say I am 100 per cent okay with everyone being here, but some of the guys I kind of don't mind being here, given what they have done for the tour over the years.

"But there are certain guys I can't stand being here to be honest, and I don't like it that they are here. To be honest, the one thing that has annoyed me over the last few months is how disruptive they are all trying to be.

"I get they are here to get world ranking points, but in a way, I think they are here for that and to be disruptive. I don't think they are here for anything else.

"Obviously, they are here for world ranking points somewhat, but a little bit is to be disruptive as well, and I just don't like it. It's the BMW Championship and BMW have been so good to us in golf over the years.

"It's all we are talking about and I think we should be standing here talking about how great Wentworth is and how big the tournament is and not talking about these guys that shouldn't be here and don't deserve to be here."

Asked if there has been any tension in the locker room this week, Lowry said: "Anybody who knows me knows I don't like confrontation or any of that stuff, so I will say hello and I will do my thing.

"The lads, I have known them for years and some of them have become quite good friends over the last few years.

"But I haven't seen them in a long time and don't hang out with them anymore and won't be going to dinner. But that is because we haven't seen each other.

"There are certain lads I would shake hands with and certain lads I wouldn't."

While Lowry's anger seemed to be directed towards those LIV players who haven't previously supported the DP World Tour, Rory McIlroy has admitted that his relationship with former Ryder Cup team-mates and current LIV Golf members Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia has declined.

"I have no idea. I wouldn't say I've got much of a relationship with them at the minute.

"They are here and are playing the golf tournament. My opinion is they shouldn't be, but again that's just my opinion. But if you're just talking about Ryder Cup, that's not the future of the Ryder Cup team. They've played in probably a combined 25, 30 Ryder Cups, whatever it is.

"The Hojgaards (Rasmus and Nicolai), Bobby Mac (Robert MacIntyre), whoever else is coming up - they are the future of the Ryder Cup team. That's what we should be thinking about and talking about."

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