Lee Westwood has hinted he would still like to captain Europe in the Ryder Cup despite joining the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The Englishman, 49, has put his Ryder Cup future in doubt after signing up to Greg Norman’s breakaway tour with sanctions expected to arrive from the PGA and DP World Tours.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of LIV Golf’s opening tournament at the Centurion Club this week, fellow rebel Ian Poulter said he still hoped to play in the Ryder Cup and urged golf’s two main tours not to impose harsh punishment on defectors.
Westwood, who has featured in the biennial contest 11 times, agreed with his former Ryder Cup team-mate.
He said: ‘It’s something I have to take into account, I’m not sure about the playing days, I’m 50 next April. Captaincy could be in jeopardy as well, but Ian pretty much covered it all.
‘What I will say is myself and Ian have been members of the PGA Tour while we’ve been on the European Tour and that’s had no effect in the past on whether people have been captains.
‘LIV Golf is another tour so why should it be any different?’
Westwood was favourite to be Europe’s captain for next year’s Ryder Cup before he pulled out of the running in November to clear the way for Henrik Stenson.
A ban would tarnish his legendary status within the tournament and devoid Team Europe of his deep knowledge.
Stars who have signed up to LIV Golf argue that the European Tour, now the DP World Tour, hosted events in Saudi Arabia in the past despite the state’s poor record on human rights.
As an independent contractor, Westwood says he reserves the right to play on any tour he wishes.
LIV golf’s first event in St Albans runs from 9-11 June with nearly £20million available in prize money.
He added: ‘We’ve all played in Saudi Arabia already, we’ve been given releases by the PGA Tour to play there and the European Tour has held events there.
‘This is no different really, so I feel educated on it, it’s something I’ve done in the past. As independent contractors we can basically play where we want.’
MORE : Tiger Woods declined $1billion offer to join golf’s Saudi-backed rebel series
MORE : Phil Mickelson risking lifetime PGA tour ban by signing up to play in Saudi-backed event
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
