Paul Casey absence ‘hurt us’ – Rory

• Rory McIlroy rues Paul Casey’s absence at 2016 Ryder Cup
• Calls for an urgent review of the Ryder Cup qualifying process
• “I think there should be changes to it,” said the 27-year-old

Rory McIlroy has called for an urgent review of the qualifying process for the Ryder Cup – saying Paul Casey’s absence ‘definitely hurt’ the European team at Hazeltine.

Speaking in an hour-long podcast for No Laying Up, the 27-year-old questioned the current process, which requires players to be full-time members of the European Tour – of which Paul Casey wasn’t.

“I think there should be changes to it” – Rory McIlroy

The Englishman was the sixth-highest ranked European golfer in the world when captain Darren Clarke completed his Ryder Cup team while Russell Knox, the ninth-highest ranked European at the same point, missed out on a captain’s pick.

Read more -> Paul Casey: “I never took a stand”

“I think there can be changes to it and I think there should be changes to it,” Rory McIlroy told No Laying Up. “Honestly, it should be the 12 best players from Europe versus the 12 best players from the United States. For me, there shouldn’t be anything to do with membership from tours.

“It definitely hurt us” – Rory McIlroy

“To have a guy like Paul Casey not on our team when he is playing some of the best golf in the world right now, it definitely hurt us.”

As a result, McIlroy suggested getting rid of captain’s picks altogether – and felt similar unease with the fact that there was no place for world No.7 Bubba Watson on the US team.

Read more -> McGinley ‘disappointed’ at Paul Casey snub

“I know that it isn’t as exciting in terms of captain’s picks and qualifying process and everything else,” he added. “But if we’re trying to make it the fairest way for the best 12 to make each team, I think that’s the way to go.