PADRAIG Harrington insists he won't return as Europe's Ryder Cup captain even if the advent of LIV Golf leaves the team without a host of top candidates.
The DP World Tour are confident that their next captain, Henrik Stenson, will not join LIV ahead of the Ryder Cup in Rome.
But then a host of hopefuls such as Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell have placed themselves out of contention unless the situation regarding the new tour is resolved with the traditional powers.
"I think there's plenty of people who have got a future in being Ryder Cup Captain and I think everybody should be given that chance," said Harrington, who was captain when Europe lost to the USA at Whistling Straits last year.
"I had my chance. As much as I loved the experience of being Ryder Cup Captain, and I really did, it was a tough job, and I don't see myself going back into that arena again.
"It's just the nature of the business. It's a one-and-done, and it's a bigger events than the individual.
"So there's loads of worthy captains. Whatever happens, there's plenty of people out there who will do the job justice."
Asked if he would be saddened if the LIV players were no longer allowed to participate in the Ryder Cup, Harrington added: "Honestly, all these guys are my friends, 100%.
"I really don't know what the right scenario is going forward for The Ryder Cup.
"I know when it comes to this week (at the JP McManus Pro-Am), they are my friends.
"Being here is a little bit like Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving for your family.
"You could have a sibling sitting there and...we'll Americanise it - you could be a Republican, they could be a Democrat but you're friends at that particular time, and maybe politics isn't mentioned at the dinner table.
"We are here for two days and it's great to see. Golf is getting a bit of a hard time at the moment.
"But look what we can do with golf. Look at the money that's raised here. Look at the people that are going to enjoy this weekend.
"It's great to see what golf can really do in a situation like this.
"Everybody is friends here, so on an individual basis, this is not a difficult situation here this week. We are all friends."
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