US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson has admitted LIV Golf players are not on his radar to compete at this year's event against their European rivals in Rome.
The Americans head into the match play tournament as defending champions, after brushing aside the Europeans at Whistling Straits back in 2021. Two years on, plenty has had happened in the world of golf, with a number of their Whistling Straits stars at the centre of it.
Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau all played an integral part in the record-breaking victory last time out but it remains to be seen as to whether they will make this year's team.
This comes after the American trio made the decision to join LIV Golf last summer. The Saudi switch came at a cost, after they had their PGA Tour memberships suspended by commissioner Jay Monahan.
Whether they are able to compete for Team USA at Marco Simone lies in the hand of skipper Johnson, but the 2015 Open champion claimed a discussion surrounding the eligibility of LIV players is something is that is " even not on his radar" as he indicated a decision will drag out much longer than it has for European counterparts.
Speaking at this week's PGA Championship, Johnson said: "We’re at a point right now where it’s not even a discussion item. There’s maybe a couple guys that have come close to securing their spot in the top six, but when it comes to picks it’s not even on my radar.
"Especially given how many points are still out there, whether you’re talking about major championships or elevated events or all of the above. I think it would be premature and almost irresponsible to even go into that. It’s not on my radar right now.”
The decision for his opposition captain Luke Donald has seemingly been decided, with the likes of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood resigning their DP World Tour memberships due to their LIV links, thus leaving their ineligible to take to the course in Rome.
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Admitting it was a 'shame' to lose three of Europe's greatest Ryder Cup stars, Donald said: "It's a shame there were some resignations. A lot of these guys have built their legacy around DP World Tour members and their participation and everything with the Ryder Cup.
"But ultimately that was their decision, and unfortunately they're off the table now for selection purposes for myself... "I'm still excited about all the players we have on offer, both rookies and established players, and I think our team will be very good."
