Justin Rose backs LIV Golf veteran’s wish to be Ryder Cup captain – “I can definitely see that pathway”

LIV Golf star Ian Poulter expressed his wish to be Ryder Cup captain in the future. The 48-year-old Englishman, who’s played in seven editions of the international event, admitting to hope for a “coming together in golf” which would let him lead the European side. The golfer made the admission despite claiming to not miss playing on the DP World Tour.

While Poulter’s wish garnered a mixed reaction from golf fans around the world, PGA Tour star Justin Rose has now come forward to back the same. The 44-year-old announced support for his fellow Englishman and said the ‘coming together’ of the conflicting sides needs to move quickly. The 2013 US Open winner said he ‘can definitely see a pathway’ for Poulter to lead the Ryder Cup team and called on the ‘world of golf’ to ‘make it happen for him.’

Discussing Ian Poulter’s comments ahead of the BMW PGA Championship, Justin Rose said, as quoted by ASAP Sports:

“I think the sentiment in the team is we want the best players playing. I think if that's the sentiment, then of course the same would be extended into the captaincy role, I'd imagine, or theoretically anyway… I think the world of golf does need to start resolving itself quickly because there is still a little bit of a divide, us, them, LIV.

I think it's hard to make those admissions back into the fray unless we're all on the same path pretty quickly… I think for that to happen for Poults, I can definitely see that pathway, but I think the world of golf needs to make it happen, as well, for him. I think it's hard to just step straight in if everything else is a bit kind of targeted on the fringes. That would be my sense.”

Interestingly, Rose talked about players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton being integral parts of the Ryder Cup squad despite their move to LIV Golf.

He said:

“I think we need things to accelerate quickly. Obviously, the lads who have gone off to LIV -- there was a period of time now where obviously we're seeing scenarios with Tyrrell and Jon having gone, as well, but they're still very much current in terms of form of playing in the Ryder Cup, and I know there's a few outstanding I's to be dotted and T's to be crossed for them to be eligible.”

It is pertinent to note that Rahm’s Ryder Cup participation remains in doubt as the Spaniard is yet to clear the DP World Tour fines which would allow him to participate and in turn, qualify for the event.

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Ian Poulter wants to lead the Ryder Cup team

Ian Poulter is hoping for a ‘coming together in golf.’ The Englishman has openly announced his wish to lead the European Ryder Cup captain, years after leaving the DP World Tour for LIV Golf in 2022. The golfer, currently the Majesticks GC co-captain, wants to replace Luke Donald in the future.

Poulter, considered a Ryder Cup legend, currently isn’t a favorite to make the squad for the showdown at Bethpage Black in New York next year. The English star’s comments come amid ongoing negotiations between the PGA and DP World Tours and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Poulter, nicknamed The Postman for delivering points in the international event, wants the merger to work out smoothly.

Speaking in a recent interview with Al Arabiya English, Ian Poulter said:

"As it stands today, that is not going to happen. But I would love that opportunity to lead a team out. Let’s see what happens, there’s going to need to be some compromise for that to happen. I'm hopeful one day we’ll see it.”

Earlier this year, Poulter had hinted at giving up on the idea of playing the Ryder Cup again. The 12-time European Tour winner said he no longer sees himself playing in the competition due to his age and the uproar surrounding his switch to LIV Golf. He seems to have backtracked from the thought as the PGA-PIF deal progressed.