Rory McIlroy and seven more options to replace Henrik Stenson as European Ryder Cup captain after LIV Golf move

It’s back to square one for the European Ryder Cup team.

A little more than a year out from the next playing of the biennial event between the United States and Europe, the latter lost its captain when Henrik Stenson reportedly joined the Greg Norman-led and Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series. A five-time member of Team Europe, Stenson won the cup three times and boasts a 10-7-2 record.

Stenson’s expected announcement now raises the question: who’s next to step into the captaincy for the Euros? Ryder Cup stalwarts and LIV golfers Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia are all most likely out of the question due to their status on the upstart circuit that’s long been criticized as a way for the Saudi government to sportswash its human rights record.

European legends like Bernhard Langer and Nick Faldo have most likely aged out of the role, so who does that leave? Here are some options for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.

This has to be the easiest choice, right? Harrington was the captain last time out for the Euros when they lost in historic fashion to Team USA, 19-9, at Whistling Straits. The lopsided score aside, players respect Harrington, and in this chaotic time he could be the perfect man for the job.

Captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland and team Europe looks on prior to the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 21, 2021 in Haven, Wisconsin. (Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

If it’s not going to be Harrington, make it McIlroy. The last playing captain was Arnold Palmer back in 1963. The Europeans have never used a player-captain, but when they were Team Great Britain, Dai Rees held the unique role in 1961.

The 2023 matches will be McIlroy’s seventh, tying him with the likes of Ian Poulter, Jose Maria Olazabal and Tony Jacklin. On top of his deep history in the competition at just 33 years old, McIlroy has been on the frontlines for the PGA and DP World tours in its struggle against the LIV Golf Invitational Series, and it would be fitting if he led the Europeans after they got stiffed by Stenson.

Europe’s Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy reacts during his foursomes match on the first day of the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, south-west of Paris on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)

Stenson’s first vice-captain was Bjørn, so the winning captain from the 2018 matches in France may literally be the next in line for Europe. Bjørn became the first Dane to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup in 1997 at Valderrama and has been an eight-time member of the squad: three as a player, four as vice-captain and captain in 2018.

Want experience and the last guy to win? Bjørn’s your boy. Need another reason? He understands the importance of competition, a rarity these days.

Luke Donald wanted the captaincy for 2023 badly.

“I thought I had a chance this time but it wasn’t to be,” said Donald when Stenson was announced. “I was disappointed personally that I didn’t get the nod but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it down the road. I wish Henrik all the best and support him along the way.”

Luckily for the former world No. 1, Stenson is out of the way and he’s got a shot. He has represented Team Europe four times as a player under four different captains and has been a vice-captain for the Euros in the last two competitions.

Luke Donald of Europe reacts to his tee shot on the 17th hole during day two of the afternoon Four-Ball matches for the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club. (Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

This is purely for the vibes. A lot of the discourse around golf hasn’t been fun the last year. The four-time member and former vice-captain for the Euros leaving a trail of smoke in his wake and lightening the mood in Italy would be too fun to not consider.

Miguel Angel Jimenez signs an autograph after hitting on the driving range prior to the opening ceremonies at the Ryder Cup at the Valhalla Golf Club in 2008. (Photo: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)

Not really sure how Team Europe would be with Rose in charge, but he’s a five-time Cupper and can still somewhat relate to what could be a very young European squad in Italy.

Justin Rose reacts on the 14th green during the Ryder Cup morning matches at Le Golf National. (Photo: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Lawrie is only a two-time player for the Euros in 1999 and 2012 and was a vice-captain in 2016, but he was reported to be on the short list with Stenson, Donald and Robert Karlsson for the 2023 job. If the eight-time DP World Tour winner was being considered before, only makes sense he’s being considered again.

Vice-captain Paul Lawrie walks the course during practice prior to the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club on September 27, 2016 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

The 11-time DP World Tour winner was included on the shortlist report with a few of the names above. Like Donald, if he was being considered before, it only makes sense he’s being considered again. A two-time player, also similar to Donald, he’s been in the team room as a vice-captain in 2021 and 2018.

Robert Karlsson lines his putt up on the 9th hole of the 37th Ryder Cup at the Valhalla Golf Club. (Photo: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)