Jon Rahm’s $600M LIV Golf Fantasy Bubble Might Get Destroyed by Returning Captain Luke Donald in 2025

Jon Rahm has fueled intense speculation about joining LIV Golf in recent months, which started with him bowing out of the TGL. There were reports that Phil Mickelson had direct knowledge of the matter, and the 53-year-old golfer has been telling close quarters that Rahm to LIV Golf was a done deal. Moreover, it appears that the Spanish international has the choice of joining Fireballs GC, helmed by his compatriot, Sergio Garcia, or having his own team.

Although there is no official announcement at this point, speculations are gaining momentum from insider reports and well-placed sources. What is interesting at this point is what will happen to his Ryder Cup chances if the golfer joins the PIF-funded league. This year’s captain, Luke Donald, has returned as the captain of the team after a massively successful Marco Simone outing. In light of the fact that the DP World Tour closed the doors on LIV golfers this year, the question is: will the same fate befall the Spaniard?

The perception of LIV Golf among Tour Pros

LIV Golf has caused a schism in the men’s world circuit. So, the golfers joining the breakaway league have found less than a warm welcome. Players, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, have been vocal critics of the breakaway league. Moreover, traditional golf fans still view the team-play format and the astonishing amount of money as a threat to the ‘pure’ form of golf.

In addition to that, after two seasons of LIV Golf, there is still skepticism about the viability of the league in the long run. Aside from that, the Saudi-funded league has been mired in controversy since its inception. Critics have dubbed it an attempt at sportswashing, and the socio-political context has barred many from truly immersing themselves in the game. Suffice it to say, there exists a deep-rooted aversion against the fledgling league in the common psyche. Not very different from the stance of the DP World Tour, which has a say in the Ryder Cup squad selection

What has been the European Tour’s stance on LIV Golfers?

Less than favorable. At this year’s Ryder Cup, no LIV golf players were barred from entering the fray. The European Tour imposed hefty fines against the golfers joining the Greg Norman-fronted league. This resulted in most LIV golfers rescinding their tour cards and making them ineligible for the patriotic battle.

As a result, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood were not selected for the Ryder Cup team. However, Sergio Garcia, who is still the highest point earner for the European team, reportedly wanted to mend ways with the Tour to play in the Ryder Cup. But the European Tour didn’t accept his proposal.

In fact, Luke Donald got his break due to the organizers removing their first-choice captain, Henrik Stenson, after he switched sides. Notably, Stenson was the vice captain along with Luke Donald in the previous year’s Ryder Cup outing. Regardless, his previous captain, Padraig Harrington, said he had “no empathy” for the Swede. Contrarily, the Irishman heaped praise on Luke Donald after this year’s victory. This was one of many voices that spoke favorably about Donald retaining the captaincy.

Jon Rahm was the polar opposite of this stance from the beginning

The Spanish International’s comments stood in stark contrast to this. He is known to have a good relationship with many LIV golfers, including his compatriot Sergio Garcia and American veteran Phil Mickelson. Notably, the World No. 2 expressed sadness over Garcia’s exclusion at this year’s Ryder Cup.

Rahm paired up with the veteran at the Whistling Straits in 2021. Although it was a rather forgettable one for both—the USA thrashed Europe in an emphatic 19-9 home-soil thrashing—Rahm still cherishes the Spanish bonding. Citing the partnership of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal, who paired up 15 times, winning 12 points, Rahm said, “I’m going to miss him. We had a great partnership at Whistling Straits… So it’s a little sad to me that politics have gotten in the way of such a beautiful event.”

McIlroy was asked about the exclusion of the LIV golfers. Unsurprisingly, the Northern Irishman said they’d miss the patriotic showdown more than they missed the rebel golfers. Moreover, the biggest gunslinger for the tour, after their thumping victory, said it might have been a blessing. The spots left by the veterans were filled by young bloods such as Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, who both were some of the best performers in the Cup. So, if Rahm joins the LIV Golf, he might not find a warm welcome in Bethpage Black.

Can the skipper save Jon Rahm?

It should be noted that Luke Donald has played with all three LIV golf defectors at various points in his career. He earlier called it a shame that the three veterans were missing. The British International has kept itself out of the controversy without disparaging any LIV golfer. But ultimately, the skipper said it was their choices that had led this to this point.

But Brooks Koepka was selected on the Ryder Cup squad, courtesy of USA captain Zach Johnson’s nod. So, can Donald pick Rahm if he wants to? As of now, no. The European Ryder Cup team is largely run by the DP World Tour. To be eligible, players have to be a member of the European Tour. So, technically, the Spaniard has to keep his DP World Tour card even after jumping ship—don’t forget the eyewatering fines the Tour imposed earlier—if he wants to see his name on the European roster.

Read More: Jon Rahm to LIV Golf? Sergio Garcia’s Confession Hints at Massive New Signing

The situation might tilt in favor of the Spaniard if the $3 billion framework agreement reaches a welcome outcome on December 31. But there are consistent hurdles in this. Although the PGA Tour has shown some positive signs, including allowing its players to tee off at the LIV Golf promotions tournament, the DP World Tour was swift to restrict its players from the “conflicting event,” as it coincides with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

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