Ian Poulter insists his commitment to the Ryder Cup cannot be questioned after Rory McIlroy said he felt betrayed by team-mates who moved to LIV Golf.

McIlroy this week criticized former European peers such as Poulter, Lee Westwood, Graham McDowell and Sergio Garcia for potentially jeopardizing his future in the biennial competition through their decisions to join the Saudi-backed tour.

But Poulter, who has partnered McIlroy six times in the Ryder Cup, expressed surprise when asked about the comments, insisting he could still play for Team Europe.

“Treason? As far as I know, we can still qualify for the team,” he said at a press conference in Florida.

Ian Poulter remains hopeful of making Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup (Richard Sellers/Pennsylvania)

“Unless we’re told we can’t qualify, I’m still ready to play as much as I can and try to get into that team.

“I mean, my commitment to the Ryder Cup, I think, precedes me. I don’t think that should ever be in question.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Ryder Cup and played with as much passion as anyone I’ve ever seen in a Ryder Cup.

“Honestly, I don’t know where that comment came from.”

LIV’s inaugural season concludes this weekend at the Trump National Club near Miami with the $50m (£43m) tag team championship.

The streak has been a constant source of controversy, with Northern Irishman McIlroy expressing concerns about an “irreparable” rift in golf.

But six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said LIV is “a force in the game that won’t go away.”

The American said: “When I just look at LIV Golf and where we are today, where we were six or seven months ago and people are saying it’s dead in the water.

“We got through it and here we are today, a force in the game that won’t go away.

“It’s amazing how far LIV Golf has come in the last six or seven months. I think no one can disagree with that.”



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