Lee Westwood stated he has no regrets about turning down the opportunity to captain Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup in order to join LIV Golf. Speaking on The Chipping Forecast podcast, the former world No 1 also revealed that he is yet to sign with LIV 2.0, describing himself as currently unemployed after not receiving any agreeable proposals for the league’s planned 2027 relaunch.
Ryder Cup Captaincy and LIV Decision
Westwood, who has represented Team Europe 11 times, tied Sir Nick Faldo for the most appearances at the biennial tournament during the 2021 event at Whistling Straits. Having previously served as a vice-captain under Thomas Bjørn in France in 2018, he was a leading candidate for the 2023 captaincy in Rome.
According to SkySports reporting, Westwood discussed the captaincy with DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings after Whistling Straits while simultaneously holding discussions with LIV Golf. When he asked if he could still serve as captain while joining LIV, he was told there would be very little chance of it. He ultimately chose LIV, remarking that he has no regrets over that choice.
Under DP World Tour regulations, players cannot serve as European Ryder Cup captains or vice-captains if they decline membership or fail to fulfill minimum event obligations. Henrik Stenson was initially named the 2023 captain before also joining LIV Golf, leading to Luke Donald taking over the role.
Uncertain Future and DP World Tour Status
When asked about the possibility of captaining in the future, Westwood expressed uncertainty, noting that he always preferred playing. He explained that watching practice rounds as a vice-captain was difficult and that he dislikes not being in control, a reason he chose golf over team sports where he had to rely on others. Because the buck stops with him in golf, the Ryder Cup captaincy was never a high priority.
LIV golfers face a November 16 deadline to reapply for DP World Tour memberships, which would trigger a 10-tournament suspension due to their previous resignations. Westwood stated he has not made a decision on whether to reapply, noting he has yet to speak with the DP World Tour or receive agreeable terms for LIV 2.0.
He noted that if he signs up and serves the 10-tournament suspension, the earliest event he could play on the DP World Tour would be the Turkish Airlines Open in the first week of May.
