Adrian Meronk insists making the European Ryder Cup team is still his goal despite putting that in jeopardy by moving to LIV Golf for this season.
Meronk was a controversial omission from Luke Donald’s side for last September’s contest with the USA in Rome having won three times last season including at the Ryder Cup course, Marco Simone.
The Polish star became the latest high profile European name to move to LIV Golf in the off season after Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton left the PGA Tour. Following Rahm’s move, McIlroy called for changes to the European Ryder Cup qualifying criteria to accommodate players like Rahm and has since backed the return of LIV golfers to the PGA Tour.
The next edition of the Ryder Cup is in Bethpage Black next year, with Donald leading Europe again, and Meronk still has eyes on making that team having been harshly treated in his opinion.
“Yeah, I think so. It always has been my goal. Obviously I didn’t like how I was treated last time, but if it’s possible in the future to play in the Ryder Cup and if I’m good enough, I would love to be on the team,” said Meronk ahead of LIV Las Vegas.
“I will just work hard on my game, play my best, and see what can happen.”
The timing of Meronk’s move to LIV was questionable. He had established himself as a top-50 in the world player, had won the DP World Tour Player of the Year award and was about to embark on a career on the PGA Tour card having earned one of the ten available cards on the Race to Dubai.
In fact, Meronk was in San Diego ahead of the Farmers Insurance Open before his transfer to LIV Golf went through. Despite the whirlwind nature surrounding it, he feels the schedule will suit him.
“I think the most important thing for me was the schedule. The last two years I had really great years in my career, but to be honest, I wasn’t enjoying it as much. I was just constantly on the road. We didn’t have a proper home, just packing from hotel to hotel, airport to airport. I was sitting with my parents and my girlfriend during Christmas, and I was just saying, yeah, I had a great year, but I didn’t really enjoy it.
“I remember times when I won in Italy, waking up on Monday, and I said, okay, great, I won the tournament. But then I have to start all over again, go to a new course, get my routine going again, and where is the joy.
“I think one of the most important things was the schedule and having more time to enjoy life with my family and friends.”
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