The 2025 Ryder Cup, set to be held at Bethpage Black, is just over a year away. This prestigious event will see 12 of the best golfers from the United States face off against 12 top European players. A pressing question remains: will LIV golfers be able to participate, or has their decision to join the lucrative LIV Golf circuit jeopardized their chances?
The straightforward answer is that LIV golfers are eligible to compete in the Ryder Cup, but their path to qualification is more challenging compared to their counterparts on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Qualification Process
For the U.S. Team: The qualification process has already begun, mirroring the previous edition at Marco Simone. Six automatic qualifiers will be selected based on money earned during a specific period, followed by six wildcard picks by the captain, Keegan Bradley.
For the European Team: Europe has revamped its qualification process. Previously, two lists were used: the European Points List (based on Race to Dubai Ranking points) and the World Points List (based on Official World Golf Ranking points). Now, a single streamlined system will determine the six automatic qualifiers, with points allocated across various tournaments, including Majors, PGA Tour events, and DP World Tour contests. The remaining six spots will be filled through captain Luke Donald's wildcard picks.
The LIV Golfers' Dilemma
The main issue for LIV golfers is that neither the U.S. nor European qualification processes include LIV Golf tournaments. This exclusion means that LIV players must rely on performing well in eligible events like the Majors to accumulate the necessary points.
U.S. Players: For U.S. players, one point is awarded for every $1,000 earned in eligible events. This places a significant emphasis on Majors. Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent LIV golfer, has capitalized on this, currently sitting third on the points list after a successful Major season, including a win at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2. However, due to suspensions, neither he nor other U.S. LIV golfers can earn points on the PGA Tour.
European Players: European LIV golfers can technically qualify automatically if they compete in Majors and, provided they have no outstanding fines or suspensions, participate in DP World Tour events. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are two such players aiming to maintain their DP World Tour memberships by playing the minimum required events this season.
Wildcard Chances
If LIV golfers find it difficult to qualify automatically due to limited opportunities to earn points, they can still hope for a wildcard pick. Historically, the chances are slim. In 2023, Brooks Koepka was the only LIV golfer selected as a wildcard for the U.S. team, largely due to his exceptional season, including a PGA Championship win. However, he was an exception.
The Political Landscape
The willingness of future Ryder Cup captains to choose LIV players may hinge on the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which backs LIV Golf. These talks are expected to conclude before the 2025 wildcards are chosen, potentially influencing the captains' decisions.
In conclusion, while LIV golfers can technically qualify for the Ryder Cup, their road to Bethpage Black is fraught with more challenges compared to those on traditional tours. The political and administrative outcomes in the coming year will significantly impact their chances of making the team.