Rory McIlroy’s blunt message to Jon Rahm’s DP World Tour decision
Rory McIlroy hasn’t held back when discussing Jon Rahm’s future with the Ryder Cup team.
The pair have been central figures for Europe in recent Ryder Cups, and beyond their roles on the course, they share a friendship that goes back years.
Advertisement
Even so, McIlroy has been direct in his views about Rahm lately, especially since the Spaniard moved to LIV Golf. He didn’t hesitate to speak up when it became clear that Rahm wasn’t planning to pay his outstanding DP World Tour fines—a move that could keep him out of the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Rahm may not have appreciated those comments, and Rory had more to say this week. This time around though, he was less critical of Rahm himself and instead turned his attention towards the wider situation between LIV Golf and the rest of the sport.
The ongoing split between LIV Golf players and those on traditional tours has cast a shadow over events like the Ryder Cup. As one of Europe’s most senior voices in golf, McIlroy didn’t shy away from pointing out how this division is affecting team selection. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference before the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2, he addressed these challenges head-on:
“We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There’s two guys that can prove it,” McIlroy said.
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Rory McIlroy addresses Jon Rahm’s complaints about DP World Tour deal
In February, eight LIV golfers were given permission by the DP World Tour to play in events backed by the Saudi league. These players are allowed to take part in certain LIV tournaments that clash directly with DP World Tour events.
Advertisement
The agreement also requires them to compete in six DP World Tour events, which could make for a busy schedule in 2026. Rahm wasn’t pleased with the arrangement, voicing his frustration about not having full control over his schedule.
“I just don’t like the situation. I think we should be able to freely play where we want and have the choice to play where we want and not be dictated what we do. Especially myself. I can’t speak for others; only myself,” he said.
Given Rahm’s contract with LIV Golf, there’s a bit of irony in those comments that didn’t go unnoticed. McIlroy is currently in Orlando preparing for the Arnold Palmer Invitational and was asked about Rahm’s reaction to the offer from the DP World Tour.
“Yeah, I mean I, geez, in my opinion, it’s a really generous deal,“ McIlroy said.
Advertisement
“Like it’s a much softer deal than what Brooks took to come back and play on the PGA TOUR. Look, the European Tour can only do so much to accommodate these guys. So, you know, if you want to play on the Ryder Cup you have to be a member of the DP World Tour.
“You have to be a member of the DP World Tour, you have to abide by the rules and regulations. And the rules and regulations were, okay, if you break the media rights agreement and you go and play in a conflicting event, you don’t get a release, you’re subject to fines. So the guys didn’t want to pay these fines, that’s fine.
Read more:
Read the full article here
