LIV Golf duo Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood given brutal reality check by Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has expressed skepticism regarding Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood's potential to lead as future Ryder Cup captains since they've left the DP World Tour for LIV Golf.

The duo, considered European golfing legends of the competition, defected from the DP World Tour, choosing LIV Golf and consequently avoiding fines. Lee Westwood even disclosed owning a hefty £850,000 penalty. Despite not playing on the DP World Tour anymore, Poulter recently shared his aspirations of a "coming together in golf" that could land him the European Ryder Cup captain role.

Ahead of the BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy , an outspoken LIV Golf critic, remarked: "I think it's hard because we don't really see them anymore. I'm not sure if Poults gave up his European Tour Membership. You need someone around that's comfortable. You look at what Luke has done the last few years, he's really made an effort to come over."

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He then highlighted the importance of being present and connected with the team members, something he feels Poulter and Westwood might not offer due to their absence: "He played in the Czech Republic. He was in Switzerland. He's making an effort to be around the players and make the players feel comfortable with him, the up-and-comers that haven't had a chance yet to be on a team or trying to make a team. With the guys that left, Poulter, and Westwood, how can these young up-and-comers build a rapport with them when they are never here? You can't see them. I think that's a really important part of a Ryder Cup and a Ryder Cup captaincy."

"I'm not saying that Poulter doesn't have the credentials to be a Ryder Cup Captain, but I just think with the current state of where everything is, you need someone that's around and showing their face as much as they can. Right now, that honestly just can't be them because they are elsewhere."

McIlroy stepped down from the Player Advisory Council on the PGA Tour in November a move seen to underscore his disapproval and when he attempted to rejoin this year, his bid was shut down which means he is no longer part of the direct discussions between the PGA and DP World Tours and the Saudi Public Investment Fund towards achieving a lasting truce.

When queried about the factors currently stalling an agreement, the Northern Irish golfer stated: "Department of Justice. Maybe different interests from the players' side. I'd say -- it's pretty similar. I'd say maybe half the players on LIV want the deal to get done; half probably don't. I'd say it's probably similar on the PGA TOUR. Because, just like anything, everyone's looking out for themselves and their best interests. You know, it would benefit some people for a deal not to get done, but it would obviously benefit some people for a deal to get done."

Rory McIlroy, who triumphed at the BMW PGA back in 2014 following his split with Caroline Wozniacki, shared inside thoughts saying: "I think there's different opinions amongst the players about what should happen, and I think when you have a members' run organization, it complicates things a little bit, especially when should of those players are having to make decisions on the business side of things. So those are the two. I think the tours want it to happen. The investors certainly want it to happen because they can see the benefit for themselves. But right now, it's DOJ and differing opinions of the players."

The golf star also noted: "I think trying to approach that from a collaborative standpoint seems to be the best way forward."

He further added his perspective: "I think to me it seems like the people that are really making the decisions are all rowing in the same direction, which is a really good thing. And even if they are all rowing in the same direction, it still doesn't mean that a deal may get done because it's just a very complicated set of circumstances. But yeah, from what I hear, there's optimism there, and that's good to see."