Rory McIlroy has laid down the Ryder Cup gauntlet by insisting the idea of a playing captain cannot work. Team USA’s qualifying race ends this week at the BMW Championship in Chicago, the hours ticking down to Keegan Bradley’s eagerly awaited decision on whether to name himself as one of his team picks.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy has disclosed that he has already "shot down" the possibility of taking on the role of playing Ryder Cup captain in years to come. The Northern Irishman, who was Europe's top points earner during their triumph in Rome two years ago, revealed the concept had already been floated to him but he dismissed it immediately.