“Not That We Absolutely Need [Jon Rahm]: Rory McIlroy Back-Pedals From His Statements on the LIV Golfer

Rory McIlroy, once one of the most vocal critics of LIV golf, has softened his stance on the Saudi-backed circuit after Jon Rahm’s defection. It seems the 35-year-old has now become more accepting, as he admitted that he was “too judgmental” for LIV Golf.

A few days ago, Rory McIlroy commented on Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup stance, and it took the entire golf world by storm. The golfer said that he thinks that the DP World Tour needs to rewrite its laws so that the defected Rahm could compete in the 2025 Ryder Cup. However, the Irish golfer has now accepted that he was “wrong.”

Does Rory McIlroy not want Rahm at Bethpage anymore?

Well, he does! But the Northern Irishman accepted that he was “factually incorrect.” “I was factually incorrect in my comments in the wake of Jon’s going to LIV,” said McIlroy. Not only did he talk about being wrong, but the golfer also opened up about why he insists on having Rahm on the European team.

The world no. 2 clarified his changing the rules remarks about the LIV golfer recently in an interview with Golf Digest. The 4x major champion said, “All I was really trying to say was that we need Jon Rahm on the European team, whatever way that can happen.

He further explained that he was saying that they need him to increase the winning chances, but having him on the team will be better. In his words, “It’s not that we absolutely need him. But our chances are clearly better if he is there.” But the question arises: is Jon Rahm still eligible to play?

Is Jon Rahm eligible to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup? 

The world no. 3’s case is different from the other players who joined LIV Golf because he applied for his DP World Tour membership before the deadline in November. The Spaniard has not resigned from the DP World Tour after defection like other LIV golf players, and technically, “he is still eligible” to play in the Ryder Cup.

Also read: “I’ll Take the Money”: Paige Spiranac Shuts Down Unfair Allegations About Jon Rahm With a Powerful Statement.

A spokesperson from the DP World Tour said that there are no rules yet for Rahm-like cases, and it’s too early to talk about the entire situation. The qualification period for the 2025 Ryder Cup is still far away, and things can change, especially with the PGA Tour-DPWT-PIF-LIV Golf merger still underway.

Of course, Rahm is a great player, and he would be a big boost for the European team. But we don’t know how his decision to join LIV Golf will affect his chances of playing in the Ryder Cup in the future.

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