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While many may have expected a furious reaction from Rory McIlroy to the fact that Jon Rahm was leaving the PGA Tour and joining LIV Golf, the Northern Irishman had a different reaction. Jon Rahm expressed his delight at McIlroy’s reaction on LIV’s Fairway To Heaven podcast.
Namely, Rory asked Europe to change the Ryder Cup rules so that Rahm would have a chance to play again. The Spaniard emphasized that he has great respect for McIlroy. “I have so much respect for Rory McIlroy and to have his support right away is very, very special.
It’s almost emotional to hear about it.”- Rahm said, as quoted by independent.ie!
Jon Rahm: I absolutely pretend to keep my DP World Tour status and PGA Tour status
Jon Rahm faced a tough decision when opting to join LIV Golf, aware that it would cause reactions.
However, that wasn’t the primary reason. The Spaniard also realized he would miss out on participating in the Ryder Cup. He intends to retain his status in both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
“The Ryder Cup means a lot to me and is one of the things that made this decision very difficult for me.
And I’ve always been hopeful that if I made the step, the DP World Tour would maybe adapt the eligibility so we can play it. With that said, I absolutely pretend to keep my DP World Tour status and PGA Tour status and be a member if possible if allowed and play more events.” Although it is hard to expect that Rahm will have a chance to play at the Ryder Cup after this decision, there is still a lot of time left.
A lot can change in two years. Looking at the events of recent years, it is clear that things are changing quickly and nothing is impossible. “So nothing regarded to that is going to change in my mind. So yeah, I’m hoping you know, sooner than later, we’ll hear some news about the Ryder Cup and we get a clearer path of how we can make things work. I would love nothing more than to defend the Cup in Bethpage.”
