Jon Rahm has been warned by Jose Maria Olazabal that ‘actions have consequences’ and he shouldn’t be surprised if he misses next year’s Ryder Cup.
Jose Maria Olazabal has shared his concerns or what he finds unsettling about Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf. In an episode of the Golf sin Etiquetas podcast, a prominent figure whom Rahm admires expressed his continued admiration for the current Masters champion and all those involved in the Saudi-backed independent association.
However, as per Olazabal, there should be repercussions for one’s actions, and Rahm shouldn’t be taken aback if he is not included in the next year’s Ryder Cup that is to be held in an unfriendly environment.
On December 8, 2023, Rahm made a significant move by joining the rival league, becoming their most prominent defector so far. The value of his contract is believed to exceed £450m.
In spite of consistently denying a move for the majority of two years, the 29-year-old has openly acknowledged that money played a significant role in his decision to join LIV.
Before appearing on national television wearing a LIV letterman jacket, Rahm had previously expressed his allegiance to the PGA Tour.
Olazabal told the podcast: “I respect everyone who has gone to LIV Golf.
“The other part that bothers me is that if you make a decision, it must have consequences.
“You can’t expect to have the same rights as PGA Tour and DP World Tour players.”
Rory McIlroy previously stated the Ryder Cup eligibility rules needed to be changed in light of Rahm’s switch.
As things currently stand, Rahm is eligible to be selected given he hasn’t resigned his DP World Tour membership.
But it remains to be seen how Rahm will be able to keep his card given his LIV obligations.
Olazabal continued: “As for changing the rules for Ryder Cup Europe… I don’t know what to tell you.
“If you miss players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, you could be left naked for one of two Ryder Cups.
“And? What if you suddenly get three Ludvig Abergs, the Hojgaard [twins]? Turns out we might be able to compete.”
Rahm has made no secret in how much he respects the careers of Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros.
He was asked what the late, great European icon would’ve made of his decision to join LIV in the immediate aftermath of joining the breakaway.
“Rahm previously expressed that he believes Seve would back him.” Considering his background and the way he began his golf journey, I believe he would desire the utmost success for me.
Undoubtedly, he possessed great ambition and charisma, qualities I truly admire and aspire to possess even a fraction of.
“I firmly believe that he would offer his support in my attempt to achieve my objectives.”