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Garcia, Westwood and Poulter were absent from
Europe's victory over the U.S. at the Marco Simone Golf &
Country Club after resigning their DP World Tour memberships
following their decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.
The trio had played key roles at the Ryder Cup over the years.
Garcia is Europe's record points scorer with 28-1/2 from 10
appearances while Westwood earned 24 points in 11 appearances at
the biennial event, finishing on the winning side seven times.
Poulter played at seven Ryder Cups and helped Europe win five of
them, with his huge performances earning him the nickname 'The
Postman' as he always delivered at the event.
"They've had unbelievable Ryder Cup careers and they've made
their choices, and they've done what they've done and no one can
take away the impact they've had for the European team over the
years," the 34-year-old McIlroy said.
"But I feel like this week, not having those big personalities
in the team room let other guys have that chance to flourish and
to shine: Viktor (Hovland), Jon (Rahm), myself.
"There wasn't a ton of space taken up in that room by some of
the other big personalities, and I think that just let the rest
of the team just sort of flourish. It's a young team. We can all
grow together.
"I could potentially be the oldest person on the team next time.
It's a new era. And it's a pretty good one."
Shane Lowry agreed that the victory in Rome could be the start
of a new era as they shift their focus to the 2025 event at
Bethpage, New York.
"I think so and I am not even talking about the 12 players who
are here. I am talking about Rasmus Hojgaard, Vincent Norrman
and Adrian Meronk," Lowry said.
"Look at all the young players in Europe coming up, we have a
great foundation now for the future and I think it is a great
chance to look forward."
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by
Peter Rutherford)
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