Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy are in a war of words over the Ryder Cup, and it seems every time either one of them speaks, they’re talking with the other in mind.
This spat is over Rahm’s Ryder Cup status, as the Spaniard refused to agree to a deal offered by the DP World Tour which would have allowed him to play on both the tour and LIV Golf this season.
Eight other LIV players accepted this deal, including Rahm’s LIV and Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, but Rahm refused out of principle. The DP World Tour asked the players to play six events this year, including two dictated by the tour, and Rahm said he’ll only play four.
So what does this have to do with McIlroy? It’s mandatory for Team Europe’s Ryder Cup players to be members of the DP World Tour, so this saga is throwing Rahm’s eligibility into serious doubt.
McIlroy called the deal “generous” and said that Rahm probably isn’t happy to be playing in South Africa for LIV this year, so why is it a problem for him to play two more DP World Tour events?
Without naming McIlroy, Rahm responded to this in the build-up to LIV Singapore.
Jon Rahm’s retort to Rory McIlroy’s LIV South Africa comments
Before LIV Singapore, it was put to Rahm that he has now won in eight different countries after last week’s win in Hong Kong. The two-time major winner was asked what this means to him, and he said, “I certainly never thought about it that way.
“I think the only thought I’ve ever had is how many continents are you able to win, and I’ve never played in Africa, so that’s always been a limit. Or actually, as a matter of fact, never played in South America, either. So I’ve been able to play in three and win in three. I guess four; I haven’t won in Australia yet.
“I guess it can put things in perspective, as well. I think, at least in my case, up until LIV, I didn’t play as much worldwide as so many of the players had to play in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90, maybe early 2000s, especially if they were European, having the opportunity to go play and win events elsewhere.
“I would be very curious to know where Greg Norman is at because I think having over 100 wins in his career, it’s probably quite diverse, as well. I think it’s really unique, the opportunity to go play and take your golf to different corners of the world and be able to win in them is quite special.
“I thought eight was a lot up until you mentioned Sergio having 18 and knowing Seve had 20 some. It’s impressive. So knowing that we’re playing in 10 different countries in LIV, hopefully I can keep adding to that tally and hopefully get to 10 someday and maybe 20 someday.”
Between these comments, and LIV Golf’s social media putting out a video on how excited Rahm was to play in South Africa, it seems the Saudi-backed league are trying to send a message to McIlroy and the golfing world as a whole.
The eight countries Jon Rahm has won in after Hong Kong victory
Rahm’s professional career is a masterclass in global dominance. He has secured professional victories in eight different countries after last week, showcasing a rare ability to adapt his game to diverse climates and course architectures.
The countries are as follows:
- United States: The lion’s share of his success, including his two Major Championships, the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines and the 2023 Masters at Augusta National.
- Spain: Rahm has stayed true to his roots, winning the Spanish Open three times (2018, 2019, 2022) to match the record of his idol, Seve Ballesteros.
- United Arab Emirates: He has dominated the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, winning the season finale three times (2017, 2019, 2022).
- Ireland: Rahm has twice conquered the Emerald Isle, winning the Irish Open in 2017 (Portstewart) and 2019 (Lahinch).
- Mexico: He notched a PGA Tour victory at the 2022 Mexico Open at Vidanta and has seen further success there at LIV Mexico.
- United Kingdom: Beyond his DP World Tour exploits, Rahm added a UK title to his resume through LIV Golf’s London events.
- Saudi Arabia: Since joining LIV Golf, Rahm has expanded his trophy cabinet into the Middle East with a victory in Riyadh.
- Hong Kong: Most recently, in March 2026, Rahm snapped a winless drought by claiming the LIV Golf Hong Kong title with a record-equalling score.
From the desert sands of Dubai to the fabled pines of Georgia, Rahm’s eight-country sweep cements his legacy as one of golf’s most versatile international icons.
