'I Wish They Could Play' - Rahm On LIV Players In Ryder Cup
The former Major winner feels that those who have jumped to LIV Golf shouldn't be banished from the Ryder Cup
![Rahm scowls while holding his putter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WPC3ETQZQPUhNgQojMsctL-415-80.jpg)
When it comes to the subject of LIV Golf, those who have stayed put on the PGA and DP World Tours have mixed feelings around the Saudi-backed series. Some are completely opposed to it, whilst some are perhaps on the fence.
One player who has continued his support for the PGA and DP World Tours though is former World No.1 Jon Rahm, with the Spaniard stating that the "format (of LIV Golf) is not really appealing to me," adding "shotgun (starts) three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple. I want to play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. That’s what I want to see."
Henrik Stenson was stripped of the European Ryder Cup captaincy after he moved to LIV Golf
Following players' moves to LIV Golf, the PGA Tour has banned those teeing it up in the Saudi-backed series, with events like the recent Presidents Cup, as well as the 2023 Ryder Cup, being affected.
Team USA has already said that those competing in LIV Golf will not be eligible for the Ryder Cup, while European captain, Luke Donald, has overhauled the European Ryder Cup qualifying process.
For Rahm though, he feels that those from LIV Golf should be able to earn a spot on the side, with the Spaniard stating: "The Ryder Cup is not the PGA Tour and European Tour against LIV - it's Europe versus the US, period. The best of each against the other, and for me the Ryder Cup is above all. I wish they could play but it doesn't look good."
Sergio Garcia, who has since moved to LIV, and Rahm, secured three points from three when paired together at the 2021 Ryder Cup
Back in September, LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, rejected any accusation that LIV is trying to destroy other tours, claiming he has tried to sit down with the PGA Tour, but instead of breaking bread with the Saudi-backed upstart, the PGA Tour has tried to destroy LIV.
Norman told The Australian: “This notion we're trying to destroy tours is not true. The PGA Tour is trying to destroy us, it's as simple as that. The PGA Tour has not sat down and had a conversation with myself or any of my investors.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“We tried awfully hard, I know I did personally for the past year. When we knew we were never going to hear from them, we just decided to go. We have no interest in sitting down with them, to be honest with you, because our product is working."
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Charlie Woods Misses Cut In US Junior Amateur Debut
The son of 15-time Major winner Tiger failed to make it through to the knockout stages of the prestigious Oakland Hills event
By Mike Hall Published
-
The Open Final Round Viewing Figures Hit Nine-Year Low
Xander Schauffele’s second Major win of the year failed to inspire the TV-watching public in the US
By Mike Hall Published
-
'Concerned' Jon Rahm 'Does Not Know' Whether He Will Play US Open After Being Forced To Skip First Two Practice Days Due To Injury
The Spaniard is battling with a foot injury that has prevented him from practicing at Pinehurst so far this week
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated
-
9 Takeaways Now We're Two Majors Down In The Men's Game
What are some of the biggest talking points now that we're halfway through the men's Major season?
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Henrik Stenson 'A Little Bit Baffled' At Majors' Stance On LIV Golfers
The Swede was speaking exclusively to Golf Monthly about Major exemption rules and why he believes they should be slightly altered given the current landscape in men's pro golf
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
LIV Golf's Henrik Stenson Wins Car For A Fan At Port Adelaide Aussie Rules Match
The Majesticks GC co-captain completed a golfing challenge during Port Adelaide's home game against St Kilda
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'We're Not Going To Change Anything' - Rahm And Hatton Remain Eligible For Ryder Cup Selection Says New DP World Tour Boss
New DP World Tour boss Guy Kinnings says Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection as long as they follow the current criteria already in place
By Paul Higham Published
-
Jon Rahm Pinpoints ‘Key Difference’ That ‘Could Help A Lot Of Fans Trust In LIV'
The Spaniard believes a change of format could improve the perception of LIV Golf
By Andrew Wright Published
-
'We're A Fraternity' - Seve Stories Shared At Jon Rahm's 'Emotional' Masters Champions Dinner
Phil Mickelson was again quiet, Sandy Lyle couldn't make it and the Seve stories flowed as Jon Rahm hosted a successful Champions Dinner ahead of The Masters
By Paul Higham Last updated
-
Jon Rahm Reveals What He Misses About The PGA Tour Ahead Of Masters Defence
Rahm spoke about why he still "loves the PGA Tour", the pressure of LIV Golf events, and his legacy ahead of defending his Masters title this week
By Joel Kulasingham Published