Thomas Pieters will 'accept the consequences' of his shock defection to LIV Golf after dealing a significant blow to Europe's Ryder Cup hopes.
Belgian star Pieters has emerged as LIV's marquee late recruit ahead of what could be a defining second season for the contentious Saudi-backed rebel series.
The world no.35 is a six-time DP World Tour winner and appeared destined for a spot in Luke Donald's side for the biennial showdown with the USA in Rome this September given a recent resurgence in form and his impressive debut in 2016.
But Pieters will now play alongside three Americans on LIV's 'Range Goats' team, joining Bubba Watson, Talor Gooch and Harold Varner III ahead of the season-opener in Mayakoba, Mexico on Friday.
The 31-year-old was called up as a last-minute injury replacement for US player Hudson Swafford, but has now revealed that his heart was set on a move to LIV as early as last summer.
And his decision to join the likes of Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson on the breakaway tour throws his Ryder Cup future into major doubt. An upcoming UK arbitration verdict will soon determine whether Pieters can still compete on the DP World Tour as a LIV Golf rebel and be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
Regardless of that outcome, however, it is now highly unlikely Europe captain Donald will select Pieters as one of his six wildcard picks at the Marco Simone course, and his opportunities to qualify for the Englishman's team will be limited due to his LIV commitments.
But Pieters, who claimed a rookie-record four points from five in a defeat at Hazeltine seven years ago, still harbours hopes of competing in European colours in the near future.
"It was a difficult decision for me, for sure," Pieters told the Telegraph, explaining his LIV switch. "The Ryder Cup has always been an ambition and it was a dream to play in 2016. I’ve been trying to get back ever since. I enjoyed the Hero Cup, but accept the consequences of this choice, whatever they turn out to be.”
He added: "I haven’t given up on playing in it again, including this year even. We will have to see the result of the hearing."
Pieters also revealed that he has had text conversations with Donald and conceded the Englishman has been put in a "tough position" as captain during a tumultuous period for men's professional golf.
And he confirmed that his decision join LIV was not influenced by his frustration at being overlooked for one of the PGA Tour's elevated events, the Genesis Invitational, last week. Pieters says he was ultimately lured to the venture because of a reduced playing schedule and his freedom to spend more time with his young family.
“Of course, with the two young children it is all attractive,” he admitted. “I’ve struggled playing 26 events a year, to be honest. As a father it suits me to have a lighter schedule. I have never wanted to play full-time on the PGA Tour because I don’t think you can do that and live where I want."
