Though the Ryder Cup is less than six months past and already eyes in Ireland are turning to next year’s edition at Adare Manor.
With Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry both likely to be involved on home soil as the tournament returns to Ireland for the first time in 21 years, excitement levels are high on these shores.
Recommended
The (very early) build-up to the tournament, though, is currently being dominated by one man who may ultimately not be there.
Two-time Major champion Jon Rahm has been part of the last four European Ryder Cup teams, three of which have been victorious, but his continued presence on the LIV Golf Tour is causing increased tension with the DP World Tour.
Rahm’s refusal to pay outstanding fines relating to his joining LIV in 2022 have the potential to drive a wedge between him and the DP World Tour, who could block him from contention for the 2027 Ryder Cup team.
Though others on the LIV circuit, such as fellow 2025 team member Tyrrell Hatton, have agreed to pay the fines laid out after a renewed proposal by the DP World Tour, Rahm has stayed resolute and, as it stands, will not be considered for selection next year.
As things stands, it appears as though Rahm will not play in the Ryder Cup in Ireland.
However, former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington believes there may be more at play.
READ HERE: Five Players Who Could Receive Shock First Ireland Call-Ups For Czechia Play-Off
READ HERE: Former Czech Republic Captain Returns From Retirement Ahead Of Ireland Playoff
Padraig Harrington’s Jon Rahm claim
23 September 2021; Team Europe captain Padraig Harrington alongside his players including, from left, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Jon Rahm and Paul Casey, during the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup 2021 Matches at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA. Photo by Tom Russo/Sportsfile
Padraig Harrington spoke to the assembled media earlier this week, and commented on the recent controversy surrounding Jon Rahm’s potential involvement in the Ryder Cup.
In quotes circulated in the Irish media, Harrington said he believed Rahm was “relying” on the fact that everyone in Team Europe is aware they would be better off with him on the team.
There’s no way the captain, the team or the fans will want to go into a Ryder Cup without Jon Rahm and maybe he is relying on that.
It doesn’t mean he can rely on it forever but he can right now. Social media and the fans they will want Rahm to play and he is relying on that pressure.
It’s an intriguing theory, though it’s hard to see the DP World Tour backtracking now after the likes of Tyrrell Hatton have agreed to their updated measures.
Harrington is not expecting a call to captain Team Europe on home soil, having taken the role during the ultimately doomed (and year-delayed) 2020 edition.
One man who has definitely been asked to captain his team in Limerick next year, though is Tiger Woods.
“The obvious answer is yes,” Harrington said to whether Woods would be a good US captain.
The other answer is we don’t really know. It could be intimidating for all I know or it could be the opposite where he is inspiring. To be a great captain you don’t necessarily have to be a great player. It would be great for the tournament and I would suggest he wants to be a great captain and do a great job.
Even by his words, saying that he has to think about it, can he give it the time and commitment that he feels it deserves suggests that, if he does do it, he would be into it.
Intriguing times ahead on both sides of the Ryder Cup divide.
SEE ALSO: Graeme McDowell Makes Shock Claim About Taking Ryder Cup Captaincy At Adare Manor
