08 December 2023 , 13:40
1011
0
Jon Rahm is still holding out hope of appearing at the next Ryder Cup amid his sensational defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf after Rory McIlroy backed calls for a change in eligibility rules.
The Spanish superstar's £450m switch to the breakaway Saudi Arabian circuit represents a major coup for Greg Norman with the reigning Masters winner set to join in 2024. He follows household names including Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson in jumping ship to the Gulf State-funded breakaway .
However, it remains unclear whether the former world number one will be able to play in the Ryder Cup going forward - if earlier precedent is anything to go by. LIV rebels Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia were deemed ineligible for Team Europe selection at this year's event in Rome after their resignations from the DP World Tour.
As it stands, European competitors must be DP World Tour members to play in the Ryder Cup, meaning Rahm's move to LIV will complicate matters. It is worth noting that the two-time Major winner was handed lifetime membership of the European Tour after winning the US Open in 2022.
READ MORE: PGA Tour's worst fears may come true after Jon Rahm to LIV Golf deal
Bubba Watson shares details of horror knee injury ahead of LIV Golf debut
READ MORE: Jon Rahm 'sick and tired' of being used has paved the way for LIV Golf switch
On top of this, previous LIV rebels have either been suspended or have resigned from the PGA Tour, of which Rahm is also a member. He has been open about wanting to maintain his status as a member of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, however, any such move that would be unprecedented - unless they are changed.
Now, fellow Team Europe star McIlroy has given his verdict on whether the current world number three should be allowed to take part in the Ryder Cup in 2025. He told Sky Sports: "As someone who has played on three Ryder Cup teams with Jon... Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025.
"So because of this decision the European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility, absolutely, there is no question about that," he clarified as he revealed that there would be no protestations from his end over Rahm appearing, adding: "I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team."
Two-time major winner and the reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm has joined the LIV Golf circuit (AP)As for the Spanish star, he remains hopeful that joining the LIV tour will not harm his chances of joining Team Europe for the next instalment. In an interview with Fox, he admitted: "I’ve explained many times how much the Ryder Cup means to me. I hope that I can be involved in future editions of the Ryder Cup."
He also described how his decision-making process has been made more difficult by the lingering doubts over whether he will be able to compete in Bethpage in two years' time. Describing his biggest concern following his move, he confessed: "I can confidently say it’s Ryder Cup. I couldn’t talk to anybody about it so. I don’t know what’s gonna come of it.”
That said, the Masters victor has been left in no doubt that he has backed the right horse at this time, saying: "What they had to offer was worth the risk of maybe not playing a Ryder Cup," while addressing his reasons for making the switch as he added: "The innovation. The difference.
"Being part of a team. Being an owner and a captain—when I grew up playing golf it wasn’t an opportunity. But it is now, and it’s really enticing to me. I’ve seen people grow and I’m looking forward to hoping making an impact."