Jon Rahm Claims Fans Called Him a ‘Traitor’ and ‘Terrorist’ During WILD 2025 Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm left the PGA Tour and joined LIV Golf in a shocking switch in December 2023.

Jon Rahm Claims Fans Called Him a ‘Traitor’ and ‘Terrorist’ During WILD 2025 Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm (Image via Imago)

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Jon Rahm and Team Europe suffered severe abuse and heckling from fans at the 2025 Ryder Cup. In a recent appearance on the Golf’s Subpar podcast, the LIV Golfer broke his silence regarding this and admitted that some fans called him a ‘traitor‘ and ‘terrorist‘ during the event.

The crowd at the Bethpage Black Course in New York went a bit wild as Europe visited the American soil, aiming to claim back-to-back titles. The fans would try to distract the opponents with some comments.

Some of them went a bit out of line. Rahm’s teammates continued to hear several slurs against them. The Spaniard, who was playing along with Sepp Straka and his LIV Golf teammate Tyrrell Hatton, were called out for their appearances and body weights.

While speaking with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, the former World No.1 pointed out that he was subjected to abuse for his high-profile switch to LIV Golf in late 2023.

With my group, so with me and Tyrrell and Sepp, right, all three of us rather overweight, two of them with a very far back hairline and two of us being in LIV, all I heard was Traitor, Terrorist, Fat, Ozempic, a lot… And I had this guy in my ear calling me a traitor, terrorist, this and that. And first thing I want to say is I’m like, dude, a traitor to who? I’m not from this country, clearly.

Jon Rahm said on Golf’s Subpar podcast

Rahm shocked the golfing world when he jumped ships from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in December 2023. The 2-time major champion was reported to have joined the Saudi-funded tour in a deal worth around $600 million.

Golf fans were not pleased with this move at that time. Rahm was seen as one of the PGA Tour loyalists who had stayed with the league and turned down LIV Golf before. He once claimed that he did not like their format.

Since his move to LIV Golf, Rahm has been one of the most successful golfers on the breakaway tour. In his 2 seasons, he has won back-to-back individual championships while topping the leaderboard by earning the most points.

Jon Rahm expresses there will be major relegations in LIV Golf during 2026 season

The LIV Golf is gearing up for some massive changes in the upcoming season. As the league gets ready for it’s 5th season, Jon Rahm has expressed that there could be a huge shake up at the end of the season in the league due to major relegations.

Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm (Image via Imago)

The 2026 season will see LIV Golf adapt the traditional 72-hole format and play 4 rounds instead of 54-holes and 3 rounds. With the field size increasing to 57 players, Rahm believes that around 10-11 players will be relegated at the end of the season.

You have people going through the International Series and people going through the Promotions series, and then more people getting relegated so I think we’re going up to 57 players and I think 10 or 11 are getting relegated. So 20 percent basically, or just under.

Jon Rahm said regarding LIV Golf on Golf’s Subpar podcast

Last season, 6 players were relegated from LIV Golf. One of them was Henrik Stenson, who was one of the co-captains of Majesticks GC. So even captains were not safe from the drop zone.

Speaking of LIV Golf, the new season will kick off from February 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will be played at night time according to the league sources.

Jon Rahm sends support to Brooks Koepka following his exit from LIV Golf

The LIV Golf suffered a massive setback last month when Brooks Koepka left the league. Following his exit, Jon Rahm sent him support as the 5-time major champion departed from the circuit due to family reasons.

Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm
Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm (Image via Bunkered)

Koepka and his wife, Jena Sims, suffered tragedy in October when they lost their unborn child. As per Sims, she suffered a miscarriage and had a pregnancy loss at 16 weeks.

On his exit, Rahm expressed recalled his battles with Koepka on the course and wished him well.

I’ve had some great times with Brooks on the golf course. Obviously, in the ’23 Masters, we had that playoff in ’24 at Greenbrier. Going at it at the Ryder Cup a few times, he’s always fun to play with. Fast, honest guy. Wish him nothing but the best.

Jon Rahm said on Brooks Koepka’s departure

Koepka was one of the big names who left the PGA Tour in 2021 and joined LIV Golf. It now remains to be seen what happens with him as he will likely serve a 1-year suspension from the PGA Tour due to him leaving them in the first place.

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