Masters champion Rory McIlroy revealed he has already “shot down” the prospect of becoming a playing Ryder Cup captain in the future. The Northern Irishman, Europe’s leading points scorer in their victory in Rome two years ago, said the idea had already been raised with him but he rejected it out of hand.

The PGA of America never should have put him in this position, but at this point, the only sensible call is leave the playing to his countrymen.