Rory McIlroy sparks new scandal with LIV Golf rebels after criticizing Henrik Stenson

Rory McIlroy has been outspoken about LIV Golf's position in the sport. Photo: Getty Images/David Cannon

Rory McIlroy has sparked a fresh row with his former Ryder Cup teammates Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood after renewing his attack on Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

McIlroy has targeted another LIV rebel, Henrik Stenson, over the decision to strip him of the 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy after he decided to leave the PGA Tour and DP World Tour for the lucrative riches on offer.

Stenson was to captain Europe at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome earlier this year, but the Swede's decision to sign with LIV meant he forfeited that right and was replaced by Luke Donald.

Players such as Poulter, Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia , the former Ryder Cup stars, were also not allowed to represent Europe after being banned by the DP World Tour, a decision McIlroy wholeheartedly supported.

However, following Jon Rahm's high-profile £450 million move to LIV earlier this week, McIlroy suggested the rules may have to be changed to allow the world number three and reigning Masters champion to compete in future Cups.

Lou Stagner, a renowned golf coach, tweeted: “I wonder if McIlroy-Rory also wants to change the rules so Stenson can be team captain?” to which McIlroy responded: “The best thing that happened to the 2023 Euro Ryder Cup team was that Henrik went to LIV!”

This prompted first Poulter and then another former European Ryder Cup stalwart Westwood to hit back. Northern Irishman.

At first Poulter said sarcastically: “Guys, calm down…”. This is a parody fake account. Rory McIlroy wouldn't say that. it's fake, I promise you. He's a top-notch actor and wouldn't say that about a teammate.»

Westwood then cheekily added about the conversation:

Good to see the season of goodwill in full swing! Merry Christmas!!! https://t.co/d95JWiXDR9

— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) December 10, 2023

McIlroy and Poulter, who represented Team Europe together six times, have had a tense relationship since the latter moved. in LIV.

Poulter denied over the summer that anything had changed between them. “Obviously there was a lot of media coverage about it,” the Englishman said. «But I spoke to Rory a few months ago and my relationship with him is the same as always.»

But McIlroy, speaking before the Ryder Cup in early October, accused Poulter of fomenting «resentment.» «, challenging his ban from the DP World Tour.

«I think at this stage, if you go play on another tour, then go and play on this tour,» McIlroy told the BBC. “Essentially, you left all your colleagues behind to make more money, and that's okay. But just stay there. Don't try to come back and play here again.

“I think they will miss them here more than we will miss them. This week is a realization that the decision they made led to them not being a part of this week, and that's hard.»

Donald's team went on to defeat the United States 16½-11½ in Rome c The Englishman's calm leadership was instrumental in this victory and led to a rule change allowing him to retain the captaincy for the 2025 match at Bethpage.