Jon Rahm earned a reputation as “Mr. January” during his time on the PGA Tour, with multiple victories at high-profile tournaments early in the year. His wins included triumphs at The Sentry at Kapalua, the American Express event, and the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, solidifying his dominance in the month. However, since his move to LIV Golf in 2023, Rahm’s January calendar has shifted, as LIV’s schedule begins in February. This year, Rahm is making his debut at the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, hosted at the Emirates Golf Club, features an impressive lineup. Rahm is joined by fellow LIV Golf stars like Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk, and Patrick Reed, along with European Tour regulars Thomas Pieters and Dean Burmester. The tournament’s headline act is Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner at the Emirates Golf Club. This event, part of the DP World Tour’s 2025 schedule, holds added significance as a Ryder Cup year looms, heightening its competitive stakes.
Ryder Cup Uncertainty
A key talking point during Rahm’s press conference in Dubai was the Ryder Cup and his uncertain eligibility. As a LIV Golf member, Rahm faces fines and suspensions from the DP World Tour for participating in LIV events. These penalties complicate his chances of representing Europe at the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York, in September. Rahm expressed hope that the appeal process regarding his eligibility would not be rushed before the Ryder Cup, emphasizing his desire to be part of the team.
To maintain his DP World Tour membership and eligibility for the Ryder Cup, Rahm has strategically scheduled events, including his appearance in Dubai. He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing 14 LIV events and four major championships before August, limiting his availability for other European Tour events. Despite the challenges, Rahm emphasized the importance of fulfilling his membership obligations to ensure his Ryder Cup dreams remain alive.
Support for Sergio Garcia
Rahm also advocated for his compatriot Sergio Garcia to be considered for the European Ryder Cup team. Garcia, the all-time leading points scorer for Europe, has re-joined the DP World Tour after paying fines for LIV participation. Rahm argued that Garcia’s experience and skill make him an invaluable asset to the team, whether as a player or in a leadership role. However, current DP World Tour rules prevent resigned members from serving as captains or assistant captains, presenting an additional hurdle.
The press conference also touched on the future of young talent like Tom McKibbin, a rising star from Northern Ireland. McKibbin, linked to Rahm’s Legion XIII team in LIV, has yet to decide on his next steps. Rahm highlighted the competitiveness of LIV as an environment where players can grow and thrive, offering McKibbin the opportunity to test his skills against some of the world’s best. Rahm’s endorsement of LIV as a viable platform for development underscores his commitment to the league and its future prospects.
