Justin Rose has urged Jon Rahm to make himself eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup, but insists that it is the Spaniard’s choice and that, regardless of importance to Europe, he should not rely on the rules being changed.
Rahm needs to play three events on the DP World Tour before the end of the season in November to be available for Luke Donald’s team, either as an automatic pick or as one of six wild cards.
However, time is running out for the LIV golfer and unless the two-time major winner submits an entry for the Spanish Open before next Thursday’s deadline then it is difficult to see how he will fulfil his commitments to retain his tour membership, which is a requirement for anyone wanting to play against Team USA in Bethpage next September.
Rose believes it will be a huge blow if the former world No 1 is not in New York, but recognises the Tour’s stance on enforcing the regulations. “No matter where the world rankings say Jon is, or, you know, the golf and the players he’s competing against, or how he competes, we know what a great player he is,” Rose said.
“My point is, you want him on the team. He was such a massive part of our win in Rome [in 2023]. You want your front-runners to go out there and do the job, and he did that.
“But from my point of view, there’s a pathway to play the Ryder Cup if he wants it, and I think that’s all the DP World Tour can do. They have their interests to protect, and I still think that it’s a doable situation should the player want to do it enough. So, that’s my view on it. There’s a pathway. And, you know, everyone makes their choices, and I respect everybody’s choice. [But] no one’s saying you can’t play.”
Rahm is due to appear in next week’s LIV individual finale in Dallas and, at the top of the season’s standings on the breakaway league, is in line to collect the £13.6 million first prize.
Rose was speaking after announcing increased prize money for the Rose Ladies Open, a Ladies European Tour Access event at Brocket Hall which starts on Friday at the Hertfordshire course.
The field includes Sara Byrne, one of the standout performers from Great Britain and Ireland’s Curtis Cup victory over the Americans at Sunningdale on Sunday. This week’s field will be competing for €72,000 (£60,699) the highest purse on the LET Access Series.
