Rory McIlroy said he has turned down repeated requests to serve as a playing captain at a future Ryder Cup, arguing that the demands of leading the team are now too extensive to combine with competing. Speaking ahead of this week’s BMW Championship, the five-time major winner told reporters, “I’ve shot it down straight away, because I don’t think you can do it.” The Northern Irishman did not specify which edition was proposed, though speculation has centred on the 2027 match at Adare Manor in Ireland. McIlroy cited the expanded media duties, tactical meetings and ceremonial obligations that modern captains face, saying the workload would restrict a captain’s ability to play every session and potentially weaken the team. McIlroy’s stance contrasts with that of U.S. captain Keegan Bradley, who has left the door open to becoming the first Ryder Cup playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 when the biennial event returns to U.S. soil at Bethpage Black in September 2025. Europe’s 2025 side will be led by non-playing captain Luke Donald.