Rory McIlroy: 'Players want Ryder Cup postponed'

Rory McIlroy says “the majority of players” would like to see the Ryder Cup postponed until 2021.

Related: Rory McIlroy’s 2020 schedule
Related: What’s in Rory McIlroy’s bag?

There have been many conflicting opinions about whether or not the biennial event between Europe and the USA should go ahead behind doors, if at all.

And the World No 1 has once again confirmed he is in the camp calling to put it off for a year.

“My personal hunch is that I don’t see how it is going to happen, so I do not think that it will happen,” McIlroy told BBC Sport.

“I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of crowds and have the atmosphere that makes the Ryder Cup so special.

“The players are the ones that make the Ryder Cup. If they are not on board with it and don’t want to play then there is no Ryder Cup.

“I see it being pushed back until 2021 and, honestly, I think that will be the right call.”

The Ryder Cup is due to take place at Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin, from September 25-27.

Whether or not the Ryder Cup goes ahead as planned or not remains to be seen. But it’s going to be increasingly difficult for the PGA of America and European Tour to ignore the players’ wishes.

Should the Ryder Cup be postponed?

“Yes,” says Alex Perry. “Do we really want to see the Ryder Cup a week after the US Open?”

“No,” says Mark Townsend. “It’s important for golf that the Ryder Cup remains on the calendar.”

Click here to read the full debate.

Should the Ryder Cup go ahead but without fans?

“It’s spectators who have made the Ryder Cup what it is today,” argues Steve Carroll.

“But can we guarantee the Ryder Cup goes ahead without fans in 2021?” counters Alex Perry.

Click here to read the full debate.

Do you agree with Rory McIlroy that the Ryder Cup should be put off for a year? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter.

Follow NCG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for free online golf instruction, the latest equipment reviews, and much, much more.

Thanks for stopping by.

We wondered if you might like to contribute to supporting our work?

As the world enters uncharted waters, we’d like to be able to keep our content open for all to entertain and inform in the months ahead.

We’d like to think we are the voice of the ordinary golfer the world over. Whether your interest is in the game from tour level to grassroots, the latest equipment, or independent course rankings, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to read more about how you can help us and to donate, please CLICK HERE.

Tour:

Alex Perry

Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.