LIV’s Paul Casey Thinks the Ryder Cup is ‘Damaged’ and Needs to Be ‘Fixed’

In a recent interview, the Englishman addressed the Ryder Cup and how it has been negatively impacted by professional golf’s divide.

LIV Golf’s Paul Casey might not be traveling to Rome with the European Ryder Cup team this fall, but he still cares about the biennial event. And despite his absence, the Englishman doesn’t want to see the Ryder Cup crumble in the wake of the recent turmoil in professional golf.

In an interview with Golf Digest, Casey expressed his concerns with the future of the Cup and admitted he’ll miss playing in it, although he doesn’t know if he would have made the team.

“I miss being part of the Ryder Cup when it happens ... no guarantees though. Or regrets. If you regret stuff in golf, it’s a hard sport to play,” Casey said. 

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are in the process of developing their framework agreement, but the Ryder Cup has nevertheless been severely impacted by the ongoing divide. Casey recognizes that reality and is disappointed to see it unfold. 

“That was never anyone’s intent. But it has to be fixed,” Casey said. “[DP World Tour CEO] Keith Pelley has admitted that. He’s had conversations with people I know and he has admitted that. They have a captain issue in the future. I love that Luke is a captain. I know him well and he has my respect. I want him to be a great captain, which he will be, win, lose or draw.”

In July 2022, Luke Donald replaced Henrik Stenson as the 2023 European team captain when the Swede announced he was joining LIV Golf. Although they hadn’t been elected captains just yet, the European team also lost Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter to the breakaway tour. They have each resigned membership with the DP World Tour, making them ineligible for the Ryder Cup. 

Casey believes the events of the last year have only hurt a fixture that is only meant to strengthen European golf.

“The Ryder Cup is so valuable in terms of what it gives to golf in Europe, not just monetarily. We don’t want that to be damaged any more than it has been already," he said. "I don’t watch a lot of golf outside of the majors. But I will certainly watch the Ryder Cup. And I might just have a piece of Euro team clothing on under my top. I won’t have the commentary on though.” 

Despite making the personal decision to join LIV, Casey is clearly still a fan of the game, and that’s why he thinks the game’s true supporters should ultimately be prioritized. 

“It doesn’t matter whether I am part of the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour or LIV, we are all part of the issue and so the solution," he said. "But we are not all swimming in the same direction right now. That’s my biggest concern. This needs to be about the consumers.”