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 revealed what ‘bothers’ him about Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf.
Speaking on the Golf sin Etiquetas podcast, one of Rahm’s heroes made it clear he still respects the reigning Masters champion and everyone who has joined the Saudi-backed breakaway.
However, Olazabal believes that there should be repercussions for one’s actions, and Rahm should not be taken aback if he does not participate in the upcoming Ryder Cup in an unfriendly environment.
On 8 December 2023, Rahm joined the rival league, making him the most prominent defector so far. The value of his contract is believed to exceed £450m.
Despite consistently denying a move for the majority of two years, the individual of 29 years old openly acknowledges that money played a significant role in their decision to join LIV.
“My heart is with the PGA Tour,” Rahm previously declared, five months before making an appearance in a LIV letterman jacket on national television.
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 his belief that Seve would be supportive of him. Considering his background and how he began his golf career, I believe he would desire the utmost success for me.
Moreover, he was undeniably ambitious and possessed great charm, qualities that I deeply admire and wish I possessed even a fraction of.
“I firmly believe that he would stand behind me in this venture to achieve my objectives.”