Rory McIlroy has expressed doubts about Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood's prospects of becoming Ryder Cup captains, citing their lack of connection with emerging European players following their departure to the LIV Golf League. Despite Poulter's storied history with the Ryder Cup, including earning 16 points in seven appearances, McIlroy notes that players like him and Westwood, who resigned from the DP World Tour to avoid fines, struggle to establish rapport with young golfers who haven't had the chance to compete alongside them. McIlroy pointed to current captain Luke Donald as an example of someone who actively engages with players, contrasting this with the absence of LIV defectors. Poulter has expressed a desire to captain the European team in the future, but McIlroy believes that a captain must be present and involved in the European tour to be effective. The ongoing divide in men's professional golf, exacerbated by LIV's financial backing, further complicates the situation. While Poulter's credentials are acknowledged, McIlroy insists that current dynamics make it challenging for LIV players to reintegrate into the European team framework.