Jon Rahm has responded to Rory McIlroy’s criticism after rejecting a DP World Tour deal, insisting he is “very happy” to play in South Africa for LIV Golf this week
Rory McIlroy believes Jon Rahm has turned down a ‘generous’ deal(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Jon Rahm maintains he is “very happy” to compete in South Africa this week following a sharp criticism from Rory McIlroy after the Spaniard turned down an offer from the DP World Tour.
McIlroy took aim at Rahm’s choice to decline an arrangement with the European circuit, which would have not only preserved his membership but also guaranteed his spot in next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland. The DP World Tour struck a deal with eight LIV Golf members for conditional releases for the 2026 season, suspending fines for participation in the breakaway tour.
In exchange, the players committed to settling their existing fines and pledged to compete in a minimum of six DP World Tour events this season. However, Rahm rejected the offer, objecting to the requirement of six events – the tour’s regulations mandate members play four tournaments per season to retain their card – and he plans to proceed with his appeal against the sanctions imposed by the tour.
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If Rahm’s appeal fails, he risks forfeiting his DP World Tour membership and his Ryder Cup qualification, though he remains confident the outcome will favor him, and he accused the tour of “extorting” its members who also participate in LIV. McIlroy expressed frustration over Rahm’s choice, feeling his four-time Ryder Cup colleague had turned down a “really generous deal.”
He was puzzled why Rahm wouldn’t agree to six appearances, especially since his LIV arrangement requires him to compete in all 14 of its global tournaments, including this week’s event in South Africa, reports the Mirror US.
LIV’s social media crew hit back at McIlroy’s remarks by sharing footage from an earlier interview where Rahm voiced his enthusiasm about playing in South Africa this week. The two-time major winner reaffirmed his position at Tuesday’s press conference.
“I think you could see as a response to that, there was a video that I made with a South African journalist of my expressing my enthusiasm to be here. [My opinion] hasn’t changed,” Rahm stated before Thursday’s first round at Steyn City.
Jon Rahm has made his feelings clear on Rory McIlroy’s dig about playing in South Africa(Image: Kate McShane/Getty Images)
“I’m very happy to be here and very convinced it’s going to be a really fun tournament. My only regret is what I said. I wish I had time to stay afterwards and enjoy South Africa a little bit more, but I’m sure I’ll have time in the future. We’re looking forward to this for a while.
“Been speaking quite a bit to the Southern Guard boys and their GM, and anytime I speak to them, my expectations get higher, and it’s been met every single step of the way. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Really looking forward to what the South African crowd is going to be like on the weekend.
“I heard great things about the hotel, great things about the course, great things about the food, and so far everything has been met. It’s been wonderful. Very few places have a better setup when it comes to facilities and the golf course or gym or recovery area, our hotel. The staff has been great to work with. It’s unbelievable, as well.
“As far as the tournament goes, it’s been incredible. I wish, again, like I said, we had a few more days to enjoy what’s outside Steyn City.”
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McIlroy, a vocal opponent of LIV Golf, expressed bewilderment at Rahm’s decision to decline the DP World Tour’s proposal. “[Six events] isn’t a heavy lift,” the world No. 2 remarked earlier this month.
“I mean, to retain your membership is four events on the DP World Tour outside of the major championships. Yes, OK, maybe the European Tour gets to have a say in where those two events are, but I mean, I’m sure Jon doesn’t want to go to South Africa next week, but he’s going there.
“He signed a contract for LIV, and he plays 14 events and the whole thing. Like I get all that. But the DP World Tour is well within its rights to protect itself as a members’ organization and as a business.
“And if you asked any DP World Tour member about the deal that they have cut with the LIV guys, they would, I think, all say that it was pretty generous. So, and again, there’s a reason that eight of the nine took it, because they probably think the same thing, and one guy thinks a little differently, and that’s a shame.”