Jon Rahm ‘EMOTIONAL’ on Rory McIlroy’s support over 2025 Ryder Cup event despite move to controversial LIV Golf

Jon Rahm admits being grateful for Rory McIlroy’s support despite his decision to quit the PGA Tour and join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Jon Rahm ‘EMOTIONAL’ on Rory McIlroy’s support over 2025 Ryder Cup event despite move to controversial LIV Golf

Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy [Image Credit - EuroSport]

It seems like, Jon Rahm’s wish to remain friends with his PGA Tour buddies may come true, at least with one of them – Rory McIlroy. Since his mega contract deal with LIV Golf, Rahm was afraid he’ll lose his friends, and even professional events and OWGR.

But within a day of his PGA Tour exit, Rory McIlroy expressed his support for the Spaniard and even commented on how he wants Rahm to participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup event, in Bethpage. His support sent “a very, very special” olive branch to Rahm who was hoping to keep participating in major PGA events.

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In a recent podcast, ‘Fairway to Heaven’, Jon Rahm expressed that the Ryder Cup “means a lot to me” and was one of the things he was most afraid to lose since his decision to switch teams. He was hoping “to make things work” and maybe the DP World Tour will provide the opportunity for LIV players to play in it.

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“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…I would love nothing more than to defend the Cup in Bethpage.”
Jon Rahm on the ‘Fairway to Heaven’ podcast.

Rory McIlroy comments on Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf

Former World No.1 Rory McIlroy admitted that “you can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.” Since LIV Golf’s inception, several top golfers have switched sides, including some of McIlroy’s close friends. 

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm [Image Credit - ESPN]
Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm [Image Credit – ESPN]

McIlroy is one of the PGA Tour’s ardent supporters, and he strongly disliked the Saudi league back in 2022. Earlier this year, he made some changes stating it’s the golfer’s wish to play where they want to, especially looking back to the spat between McIlroy and Phil Mickelson.

The internet was also talking about his broken friendship with Sergio Garcia, since the latter’s decision to exit the PGA Tour. Although now it seems, Rory McIlroy is more than welcoming the idea of players choosing sides according to their decisions. He even stated that the DP World Tour should reconsider the rules to allow Jon Rahm’s participation in the Ryder Cup event.

McIlroy further admitted on SkySports that he’ll miss playing “week in and week out” with Rahm. He praised the 2x major champion for having “so much talent” and for being “a great teammate” and rival regardless of his decision to play in LIV Golf.

As of now, there’s no specific amount revealed on Jon Rahm’s signing. It is expected to be between $400 million to $600 million. According to The Telegraph, the signing amount is $566 million with $302 million being paid upfront. 

Further details regarding the contract are expected to be revealed soon, as the PGA-LIV merger is expected to have a possible notice on December 31. Right now, LIV owns three of the top five golfers in the world. Jon Rahm’s move to LIV will surely cause a butterfly effect on the game, but what it will be, is yet to be seen.

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