Earlier this year, both Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy contributed to Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup performance against the United States.
Following Jon Rahm’s recent move to the LIV Golf series, Rory McIlroy has stressed the need for the DP World Tour to modify its Ryder Cup selection criteria. Rahm, ranked third globally, played a pivotal role in Europe’s 16½-11½ Ryder Cup victory in Rome over the US team.
However, Rahm’s transition to the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour casts doubt on his future Ryder Cup participation.
“Jon’s decision means the European Tour has to revisit its Ryder Cup selection rules,” McIlroy stated in an interview with Sky Sports. “Jon’s presence in the 2025 Ryder Cup team at Bethpage [New York] is essential, and there’s no doubt we need to adjust the rules to ensure that.”
Earlier this year, McIlroy had asserted that players involved with the LIV Golf series should not be eligible for Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
Players like Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia lost their eligibility for the Ryder Cup after leaving the European tour in May, following sanctions for their involvement with LIV Golf.
The current eligibility criteria mandate that European players must belong to the DP World Tour.
Rahm, the 2022 US Open champion, received honorary lifetime membership of the DP World Tour and claimed his second major victory at the Masters this year.
The European team underwent a leadership change mid-cycle when Henrik Stenson joined LIV, leading to Luke Donald assuming the captaincy.
Rahm, who had initially dismissed the idea of joining LIV, which kicked off in 2021, made his third Ryder Cup appearance for Europe earlier this year.
“Rahm’s immense talent and team spirit make him an invaluable Ryder Cup player,” McIlroy commented. “While I find his decision disappointing, the landscape of golf has evolved, especially since the PGA and DP World Tours’ framework agreement with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) in June 2023.”
This agreement, backed by a $2bn (£1.6bn) pledge from PIF, the financier behind LIV, is under scrutiny by the American government and must be finalized by the end of 2023.
Golf’s Fragmentation Concerns
McIlroy, currently the world’s second-ranked golfer, expressed concern about the fragmentation in golf due to the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. “This division is harmful. The sport is essentially consuming itself,” he remarked. “Uniting all top golfers is crucial for the sport’s future and what fans desire.”
Rahm emphasized that his switch to LIV Golf was a professional choice, aiming to balance his participation in both the PGA and DP World Tours.
“Joining LIV Golf provides me the flexibility to play across tours without conflicts,” Rahm mentioned in a Fox News interview. “I look forward to being a part of this evolving and dynamic golf landscape.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jon Rahm LIV Golf
What was Rory McIlroy’s reaction to Jon Rahm joining LIV Golf?
Rory McIlroy expressed that the DP World Tour needs to revise its Ryder Cup selection rules following Jon Rahm’s move to the LIV Golf series. He emphasized the importance of Rahm’s participation in the Ryder Cup and acknowledged the changing landscape of golf.
How does Jon Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf affect his Ryder Cup eligibility?
Jon Rahm’s transition to the LIV Golf tour puts his future participation in the Ryder Cup in jeopardy, as the current rules require European players to be members of the DP World Tour to be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
What changes did Rory McIlroy suggest for Ryder Cup eligibility?
Rory McIlroy suggested that the European Tour should “rewrite the rules” for Ryder Cup eligibility to accommodate players like Jon Rahm who have joined the LIV Golf series.
What concerns did McIlroy express about the division in the golf world?
McIlroy expressed concern that the split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is dividing the sport and its audience, potentially harming the future of golf. He believes that having all top golfers under one umbrella is best for the sport and its fans.
What is the PGA and DP World Tours’ ‘framework agreement’ with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund?
In June 2023, the PGA and DP World Tours announced a ‘framework agreement’ to merge with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf and has pledged $2bn (£1.6bn) in support. This agreement is under review by the American government and must be finalized by December 31, 2023.
More about Jon Rahm LIV Golf
- Rory McIlroy’s stance on Ryder Cup eligibility
- Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf move and its impact
- PGA and DP World Tours’ Saudi Arabian deal
- Golf’s evolving landscape and challenges
- The future of Ryder Cup participation rules
5 comments
isn’t it ironic, rahm was all about PGA before and now? guess money talks. golf’s getting more dramatic than my soap operas!
rory’s comments are spot on, the ryder cup needs a revamp now. but, mixing politics with sports, tricky business huh?
Love how McIlroy’s looking out for the sport’s future, but changing Ryder Cup rules? Slippery slope, what’s next?
Wow, can’t believe Rahm is going to LIV, its a big shakeup for the golf world! McIlroy seems really worried about the split, kinda makes sense..
McIlroy always speaks his mind, gotta respect that. But the whole LIV thing, its just messy for golf, where’s the unity gone?