LIV Golf star Lee Westwood does not mind paying a hefty fine if it means returning to the Ryder Cup set-up, but uncertainty over the future prevents him from doing so.
Westwood was one of several players who renounced their membership to the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) when they joined the Saudi-backed LIV venture.
By doing so, it also meant they were no longer eligible to be a part of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, as players must have a DP World Tour membership to partake in the iconic event.
However, players could return to the European circuit, and subsequently the Ryder Cup, by settling their respective fines and suspensions imparted by the tour.
Former Masters winner Sergio Garcia recently paid his fine, estimated to be over £833,000, which means he could equal Westwood and Nick Faldo’s record of 11 Ryder Cup appearances in 2025.
Westwood would be more than happy to part with his cash too if it meant he could help Europe retain the Ryder Cup.
However, the lack of clarity from the DP World Tour about any future punishments has Westwood hesitant.
“I’ve made it clear to the European Tour that I would pay my fines,” Westwood told Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist on talkSPORT Breakfast.
“But I just have a problem with… this is not the end of it, just paying the fine. It’s the uncertainty going forward about future fines or suspensions.”
Westwood pointed to the cases of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who have both moved over to LIV Golf but appealed their sanctions from the DP World Tour.
Their appeal is due to be heard in September next year, which will be after the Ryder Cup, clearing the way for them to take part.
Hatton’s hopes of featuring at the Ryder Cup were handed a big boost as he was the only LIV-based player to be named for a warm-up team event in Abu Dhabi.
“The European Tour is cashing in on the money of the fines, but they’re also going to get the likes of Jon Rahm, Sergio (Garcia) if he makes it, and Tyrrell Hatton in the Ryder Cup as well,” Westwood said.
Westwood, a former world No. 1, also pointed out the DP World Tour is going through renegotiations for TV deals.
“They need to be able to go to those people and say, ‘These are the names that are members of the European Tour,’” Westwood said.
“So it’s quite a complex situation. It’s not just pay the fine and be over and done with and you can carry on with the European Tour.”
Westwood added: “I think holding the players to ransom over the fines and suspensions isn’t in the best interests of the European Tour.
“They’re restricting a few of the key players from supporting the European Tour and it’s creating a bit of a divide still.”
Fines and suspensions aside, next year’s Ryder Cup has already ignited a heated debate between the Europeans and Americans after a report emerged the latter would be paid for the first time.
The deal, which is reportedly close to being sealed, would see the American team receive $400,000 (£315,000) each.
However, Europe’s players would continue to appear for free.
Rory McIlroy has already taken a swipe at the Americans over the revelation and claimed he would ‘pay for the privilege’ to compete in the Ryder Cup.
Westwood concurred with the Northern Irishman.
“In my opinion, no they shouldn’t [be paid],” Westwood said.
“I’ve played in 11 Ryder Cups and not once has it ever crossed my mind that I should get paid to play in the Ryder Cup.
“It’s just a pure honour to represent Europe.”
Europe will look to defend its Ryder Cup crown at the 45th edition of the iconic event in September 2025 at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York.
