‘We Just Want the Best Players’: Jon Rahm Earns Viktor Hovland’s Stamp of Approval Despite $566M Betrayal

Before winning the 2023 Ryder Cup, Team Europe was in some way disregarded as the winner. They had lost the last edition, and the players were relatively new as veterans had jumped the ships to LIV Golf. Although the victory was a shocker to a few and a treat to many. It could not have been done without the team Luke Donald assembled.

One major part of Team Europe’s victory was Jon Rahm. The Spaniard performed exceptionally and impressed everyone, including his teammates. As a result, after Rory McIlroy, it is Viktor Hovland who will not leave Rahm alone for the 2025 Ryder Cup even after his $566 million defection to LIV Golf.

Viktor Hovland’s thoughts on Jon Rahm’s 2025 Ryder Cup participation 

Ryder Cup is a team event and winning the cup would not be possible while having ordinary players. Last year, Team Europe showcased what they were capable of as they clinched victory with 16.5-11.5 against Team USA. In 2025, they will be looking forward to similarly winning the cup.

However, two of the best teammates — Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, have joined LIV Golf. Although they have not resigned their DP World Tour memberships, if past patterns are followed, they are at risk of getting bans and fines. Despite all, their compatriots, like Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland, are not leaving them behind.

After the Northern Irishman came forward with his support for Rahm at 2025 Bethpage, Hovland also put forth his stance. The Norwegian golfer was asked on the Sellout Crowd podcast if he would help McIlroy in getting Rahm on the team. Hovland replied, “Yeah, hey, we just want the best players to be on the team. That’s it. It’s that simple.”

The world number four was pretty clear what would make the 2025 Ryder Cup a winning chance for Team Europe; is the presence of players like Rahm. Although the Spaniard had been suspended by the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour had not spoken in that regard yet.

If his membership does become null, Rahm will not play the Ryder Cup again. Hovland had always been honest with his opinions and he once again chided the PGA Tour for the future of golf.

Viktor Hovland wants transparency about golf’s future

In the same podcast, the Scandinavian golfer was asked about his previous comment criticizing the PGA Tour. Hovland was quick to explain that he was speaking his mind and didn’t want to dog on the Tour but rather wanted to improve it.

Read More: Viktor Hovland Shatters the LIV Golf Hype, Commits Loyalty to the PGA Tour With Latest AT&T Pebble Beach Notice

Moreover, he expressed that the players need to come together, and talk it out because they “need transparency.” And that could only be when the facts are out in the open. Hovland is not against the PGA Tour but would like more input from the players for the future of the league and subsequently golf.

The present PGA Tour-SSG deal is doing just that. With new investments getting done, the PGA Tour may see numerous changes. The players will hope that a few will impact their future for the better.

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