Masters champion Jon Rahm made a shocking and controversial move to LIV Golf in 2023 and now that decision could have serious consequences as far as the Ryder Cup is concerned
Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf resulted in him achieving unprecedented wealth, exceeding his greatest expectations.
However, this move may have jeopardized his opportunity to participate in the Ryder Cup, which was the least favorable outcome for the Masters champion. In 2023, the Spanish golfer surprised everyone by signing a ÂŁ450 million deal with the Saudi-backed circuit.
According to the current rules of the renowned team event, Rahm will be fined and suspended for one tournament for each appearance he makes for LIV.
Additionally, if the 29-year-old golfer and other LIV golf players do not participate in at least four DP World Tour events in 2024, they will risk losing their cards.
The regulations will need to be revised before the next Ryder Cup in 2025, which is scheduled to take place at Bethpage in New York.
Paul McGinley, a member of the Ryder Cup Advisory Board, is facing a difficult task.
In a recent interview with the Belfast Telegraph, he addressed concerns about the possible unavailability of some of Team Europe’s top players for the event next year.
“Under the current systems, they’re not going to be eligible,” said the Dubliner. “So the rules will have to be changed if they are to be played. But there are a lot of hurdles to jump to get to the place where they’re going to be eligible.
“There’s a very, very strong sentiment among the players who have stayed that they’re the reason the game is divided and the product diluted. A diluted product lessens their value. So there’s an argument on both sides. And then there’s the Ryder Cup brand. Is that going to be affected if some top players are ineligible to play?
“So you’ve got to balance making sure the Ryder Cup stays in this top echelon, with the best players playing, but also being fair to the players on both sides. So it’s a negotiating position.” Rahm is a two-time major winner and he is preparing to defend The Masters title in April.
He has emphasized the significance of the majors and Ryder Cup in his career, and the thought of not being able to participate in next year’s event is distressing.
He played a crucial role for Team Europe in their victory over Team USA in 2023, and he will definitely be motivated to assist his team in retaining the trophy.
Rahm’s wish to participate in the Ryder Cup is also felt by his European teammate Rory McIlroy, who has called for a change in the rules to allow Rahm to compete.
McIlroy mentioned, following Rahm’s decision, that adjustments will need to be made to the eligibility criteria for the Ryder Cup on the European Tour (DP World Tour) to accommodate Rahm. He emphasized his strong desire to have Jon Rahm on the team for the next Ryder Cup.
“I will miss competing against him regularly. He has immense talent, relentless determination, and is a supportive teammate in the Ryder Cup. I have come to understand that we shouldn’t judge someone for choosing what they believe is best for themselves.”