Major champ insists LIV Golf players not frozen of Ryder Cup despite qualifying changes

England's Justin Rose insists European LIV Golf players have not been frozen out of the Ryder Cup despite a change to the qualification rules. 

Qualification to represent the blue and gold at the biennial dust-up next year began at last week's British Masters. 

Rose did not play at The Belfry, opting to take a break after a busy and productive season so far that was highlighted by an incredible display at The Open. 

Instead, he hopped in the Sky Sports commentary booth as a special guest to deliver his thoughts at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.

Unsurprisingly, one of the Englishman's goals going forward is to try and qualify automatically as one of Luke Donald's dozen next September at Bethpage Black. 

Rose could make his seventh appearance as a player if he qualifies outright or is handed a pick. 

He has an overall record of 14-9-3 and would love nothing more to improve that. 

"I've never really worried about qualifying for the Ryder Cup," Rose told Sky Sports.  

"Last time around was actually the first time I’ve ever been picked, so maybe I should definitely worry about qualifying for it. 

"What I mean by that is if I’m playing good golf as and when the Ryder Cup comes around, I feel like I could and should be part of the team but I'd definitely like to qualify on merit this time.

"It's a huge goal for me going into next year."

In late August, Ryder Cup Europe altered the process for qualifying by changing to one points list.

Previously, the automatic qualifiers were selected from a world list and a European one.  

The aforementioned Donald insisted the change was made to adjust to the changing landscape in men's professional golf. 

The change has been criticised by some LIV rebels, who have suggested there is more emphasis on playing in America and on the PGA Tour. 

Rose does not appear to agree. 

He said: "If you're European and a great player, you should have the opportunity to represent Europe.

"Most players do, the guys on LIV do get the opportunity to represent Europe. 

"I think there is a structure in place, the European Tour has its rules and regulations, if they play in a conflicting event, they accrue a fine, and if they pay the fine, they’re eligible to play.

"So I think there is a fair pathway for everybody to be part of the team."

Rose declined to offer a verdict on how things will eventually play out between the PGA Tour and LIV's Saudi financiers. 

“We're all kind of used to the new normal," he said. "I still don't think anyone has shed any light on what the future looks like.

"I don't quite know how this sort of talked-about coming together is really going to play out, so for the moment I think everybody's making their own personal decision about what’s best for them and you just go about your business. 

"There's plenty of good golf to be played around the world.

"At the same time, we don't want to dilute the product too much because obviously seeing great players go head to head on a Sunday evening is what it's all about."

Watched our latest YouTube video?