‘A Little Weird’: Rory McIlroy Subtly Contradicts Jon Rahm Following LIV Golfer Sergio Garcia’s ‘Sad’ Reality

Arguably one of the most anticipated tournaments in the realm of sports, the Ryder Cup brings in the crème de la crème of the two nations to duke it out on the course. But this time around, many golfers, including Sergio Garcia, would be unable to represent their land due to the whole LIV Golf fiasco.

Even so, this has not stopped many, including Jon Rahm, from voicing their opinions. But Rory McIlroy was not so keen on taking his side, as he came out to divulge his views regarding the same, all the while pointing out a certain “realization” of sorts!

Rory McIlroy opens up about the exclusion of LIV golfers, ft. Sergio Garcia

Veteran LIV golfers including Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood, among others, were deemed unable to play in the biennial tournament following their resignation from the DP World Tour. And, McIlroy had a lot to say regarding the same as he took to an interview ahead of the Ryder Cup.

In a recent press conference, when asked about the trio and whether he misses them, the 34-year-old accepted that it was “certainly a little strange not having them around.” But nevertheless, he was quick to point out how this week would be the time when it’s going to hit the defectors that “they are going to miss being here more than we’re (McIlroy and Co.) missing them.”

Adding to his response, the 24X PGA Tour champ nudged at the “realization” that the players, who resigned from the European Tour, would have that “the decision that they made had led to (them) not being a part of this week.” 

Nevertheless, he did not forget to provide a ray of hope for the defectors as the 4X major champ alluded to how the game is “ever-changing and more dynamic,” all the while indicating how the future might change.

Such a response from McIlroy was not that surprising, given that he was one of the players who had spoken out against the Saudi-backed league. But even so, there were professionals, including Rahm, who did not shy away from expressing his regret over Garcia and his exclusion from the competition as opposed to the former!

Jon Rahm shares his views on Garcia’s exclusion

In an interview ahead of the tournament at Marco Simone, the 28-year-old was very expressive of the Ryder Cup legend’s contribution to the European team. The Spaniard opened up as to how he had a chat with the LIV golfer and asked him for advice, with him being the record point scorer in the history of the biennial event.

ALSO READ- Tiger Woods Low-Key Leaves Best Bud Justin Thomas High and Dry as Charlie Woods Takes Up the PGA Tour Icon’s Attention Ahead of the Ryder Cup

The 11X PGA Tour champ admitted that it wouldn’t be easy without Garcia and Poulter, all the while dubbing the former his mentor no less. Moreover, he pointed out the difficulty in replacing the duo on and off the course since the amount of experience that they brought to the greens was tremendous.

What do you think of Rory McIlroy’s and Jon Rahm’s stance on the LIV golfer’s exclusion? Share your thoughts below.

Watch This Story | ‘Ryder Cup is Better Than This’: Charley Hull’s BFF Becomes the Laughingstock at the Solheim Cup as the $349.56M Giant Suffers With Subpar Performance