Rory McIlroy loves the Ryder Cup and will play in 2020, says Padraig Harrington

There has been doubts over Rory McIlroy playing at the 2020 Ryder Cup but Europe’s new captain Padraig Harrington says the Northern Irishman will be a major part of his team at Whistling Straits.

Sky Sports reports that McIlroy could be ineligible for the 2020 edition if he does not fulfil the requirements for European Tour membership next season.

However, Harrington has backed McIlroy to be a leader for Team Europe, who will go to the USA aiming to defend the trophy after winning last year in France.

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“I can only look at his actions,” said Harrington. “That man loves the Ryder Cup. He’s become a leader in the team room. He gives so much to the Ryder Cup; the Ryder Cup gives so much back to Rory that he can’t get anywhere else.

“He gets the glory, the opportunity to be loved on the golf course. He gets the exuberance, the crowd. You don’t get that day in, day out. You don’t get that regularly. His actions are all about the Ryder Cup.

“He will be 100% behind and in that Ryder Cup team, there’s no doubt about it. You just have to know the man behind the scenes.”

Next year’s Ryder Cup will take place at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from 25-27 September.