Rory McIlroy says he made ‘factually incorrect’ comments about Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future after the Spaniard joined LIV Golf.
Rory McIlroy says he will ‘take it on the chin’ after making ‘factually incorrect’ comments in the wake of Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf.
Rahm officially joined the breakaway tour last December after weeks of intense speculation.
According to reports, the current Masters champion signed a massive contract worth an estimated £450 million.
Rahm declared that leaving was “worth the risk,” even though it might mean missing out on the Bethpage Black Ryder Cup in 2025.
In light of Rahm’s decision, McIlroy immediately demanded that the rules be altered so he could wear the blue and gold once more.
Previously, the Ulsterman had taken the firm stance that the players who are considered “rebels” shouldn’t be permitted to participate in the biannual match.
Both McIlroy and Rahm played a starring role as Luke Donald’s Europe wrestled back the Cup from Team USA at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club last September.
McIlroy produced a talismanic performance and was the leading points scorer with four whereas Rahm contributed three to Europe’s total of 16.5.
Unlike some former European Ryder Cup stars who have joined LIV, Rahm has not resigned his DP World Tour membership and therefore remains eligible for selection for next year’s contest.
Rahm has also not relinquished his PGA Tour membership.
McIlroy told reporters before the Dubai Invitational he will take his previous comments about Rahm ‘on the chin’.
He said: “I was factually incorrect in my comments in the wake of Jon’s going to LIV. He’s still a member of the DP World Tour, so he is still eligible. I’ll take that one on the chin.
“All I was really trying to say was that we need Jon Rahm on the European team, whatever way that can happen. It’s not that we absolutely need him. But our chances are clearly better if he is there.”
McIlroy also outlined his vision for a world tour in which LIV Golf would play four events in the spring and four events in the winter.
The four-times major champion also urged the powers that be to make the national opens as treasured as they once were.
He also called for the PGA Tour to open their minds to playing in areas they have never visited before.
What did Rory McIlroy previously say about Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future?
Rahm stated to Sky Sports when he joined LIV, “There is no doubt that the European Tour will have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility as a result of this decision.
“Jon Rahm should definitely be a member of the next Ryder Cup team. I will miss having to compete against him every single week.
“He has so much talent and is such a good player. At the Ryder Cup, he is an excellent teammate and extremely persistent. I can’t say enough positive things about Jon. As a golfer, I have the utmost respect for him.”