Rory McIlroy claims Henrik Stenson's move to LIV Golf was 'the best thing that happened' to Europe's Ryder Cup team – despite wanting £400m Saudi defector Jon Rahm to remain part of the setup

Rory McIlroy has hit out at his old Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson by claiming his move to LIV Golf was the 'best thing that happened to his European team'.

The sport has been rocked by the news that Jon Rahm has joined the Saudi tour in a £400million deal – despite his earlier insistence he would never sign the Breakaway League.

The Irishman had reacted to the news about Rahm and said he wanted the rules changed so that the Spaniard could still participate in the Ryder Cup.

However, he was less understanding about Stenson's own move last year – which saw him sacked as Euro Championship captain – after golf expert Lou Stagner asked to change the rules to include the Swedish star.

“I wonder if @McIlroyRory will also change the rules so Stenson can captain the team?” read the tweet.

Rory McIlroy has hit out at Henrik Stenson over his decision to join LIV Golf last year

McIlroy replied: “The best thing that could have happened to the 2023 Euro Ryder Cup team was Henrik going to LIV!”

The civil war in Gulf has created a huge rift between the Northern Irishman and his former European Ryder Cup partners, including Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.

Poulter and Westwood were among the players who responded to McIlroy's post on X.

“Guys, calm down…. This is a parody of a fake account,” Poulter said sarcastically. “Rory McIlroy wouldn't say this. it's fake, I promise. He is a class man and wouldn't say that about a teammate.'

Westwood quoted McIlroy's message and added: 'Nice to see the season of goodwill is in full swing! Merry christmas!'

He also commented on Poulter's post and joked: “I remember my first beer!”

Rahm's own move has led to a huge about-face from McIlroy – the PGA Tour's staunchest loyalist – on his LIV Golf stance.

“It's hard to sit here and criticize Jon for the great player he is and the experiences I've had with him, but all I will say is that I will be disappointed if I don't face him more often in the future.” will play him,” he says. told Air sports.

“Jon will be at Bethpage in 2025, so because of this decision the European Tour will have to rewrite the rules for participation in the Ryder Cup, there is no doubt about that. I definitely want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team.

“What I've realized is that you can't judge someone for making a decision that he or she thinks is right for him or her.”

His comments come despite him urging the European Tour to rewrite the rules to allow Jon Rahm to play at the Ryder Cup in the wake of his move to the Saudi circuit.

He added: 'Is it disappointing for me? Yes, but the golf landscape changed on June 6 when the framework agreement was announced.

“And I think that made the jump from the PGA Tour to LIV a little bit easier for guys. They really let the first guys take the heat.

“This framework agreement actually legitimized what LIV was trying to do and I think it made it easier, if that's really what you want to do.”

McIlroy's comments are in stark contrast to his criticism of Europe's LIV rebels ahead of the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in September.

“It's definitely a bit strange not to have them around,” said Europe's figurehead. “But I think this week especially, it will dawn on them that they are not here, and I think they will miss it here more than we will miss them.

“I think this week is the realization that the decision they made meant they couldn't be there this week, and that's hard. The landscape in golf is ever changing and becoming more dynamic, and we'll see what happens and if they'll be part of it in the future.

“I always thought leading up to this week it would become clear that they won't be here.”