Jon Rahm’s route back to Ryder Cup is clearer in music to Rory McIlroy’s ears

Jon Rahm’s Path to Ryder Cup 2025 Grows Clearer, Much to Rory McIlroy’s Relief

Jon Rahm’s pivotal role in Team Europe’s victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup last autumn was a testament to his significant impact on the sport. However, his subsequent move to LIV Golf introduced uncertainties about his future participation in the prestigious event. Yet, Rahm’s recent performance at the Olympic Games in Paris has brightened his prospects for securing a spot in Team Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup squad.

 

Representing Spain at the Paris Olympics, Rahm was one of the 60 golfers competing for the gold medal at Le Golf National. Alongside fellow LIV golfer David Puig, Rahm had been performing admirably, holding a share of the lead with Xander Schauffele going into the final round. Despite Rahm’s strong position, his performance faltered on the last day in Paris, and he ultimately slipped down the leaderboard, finishing behind world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who clinched the gold medal.

 

However, Rahm’s Olympic outing was not without its advantages. His participation in the event has been beneficial for his Ryder Cup ambitions. After moving to LIV Golf, Rahm’s future in European colors was cast into doubt. The transition to LIV Golf, a tour that has been in conflict with the DP World Tour, led to significant complications. The DP World Tour has imposed fines and suspensions on its members participating in LIV events, resulting in high-profile resignations, including Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, and Lee Westwood.

 

The Ryder Cup regulations stipulate that players must be members of the DP World Tour to compete. Although Rahm did not resign his membership outright, maintaining it became complex due to his limited participation in DP World Tour events. Players are required to participate in at least four DP World Tour events each year to retain their membership. Despite Rahm’s continued membership, his association with LIV Golf had resulted in his absence from most of the tour’s events, except for his Olympic appearance in Paris.

 

According to confirmation from the DP World Tour, Rahm’s participation in the Olympics counts as one of the necessary DP World Tour starts for the year. This development means Rahm now needs to compete in only three more DP World Tour events to maintain his membership status. Rahm has expressed his intention to return to the DP World Tour after the LIV season concludes in September. He has indicated his desire to compete in the Spanish Open, contingent on the smooth arrival of his first child with his wife, Kelley. Additionally, the Andalucia Masters, scheduled to take place a month later, offers another opportunity for Rahm to play in front of his home crowd.

 

Following the conclusion of the LIV Golf season, there will be seven remaining events on the DP World Tour schedule. Six of these are regular season tournaments, culminating in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in early November. To qualify for the Championship in Dubai, Rahm must perform well enough in the remaining events to secure a position within the top 50 of the Race to Dubai rankings.

 

Rory McIlroy, a prominent figure in golf and a vocal critic of LIV Golf, has been a staunch advocate for Rahm’s inclusion in the 2025 Ryder Cup. McIlroy has consistently supported Rahm despite his controversial switch to LIV. Following Rahm’s move last December, McIlroy openly backed the idea of altering the rules to facilitate Rahm’s participation. At the time, McIlroy firmly stated, “Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025,” underscoring his belief that Rahm’s talent and past contributions to Team Europe should secure him a spot in the Ryder Cup lineup.

 

In summary, Jon Rahm’s journey back to the Ryder Cup spotlight is becoming clearer, thanks to his recent Olympic appearance and his planned return to the DP World Tour. Despite the complications stemming from his move to LIV Golf, Rahm remains a strong contender for the 2025 Ryder Cup, with Rory McIlroy championing his cause. As Rahm continues to navigate the complexities of tour commitments and maintain his membership status, the road to Bethpage in 2025 appears increasingly promising for the accomplished golfer.