Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm’s relationship has been questioned since Europe won the Ryder Cup in 2023, with various issues – including the PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide – causing strains
Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are two of Team Europe’s best and most important players heading into the Ryder Cup — but a divide may have been brewing in 2023.
In 2023, McIlroy and Rahm helped Europe win the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. Both men impressed and played a key role on the course, with the Spaniard clinching a vital draw with Scottie Scheffler.
The 2023 Masters champion recorded 2-0-2 during the tournament, while McIlroy was Europe’s top points scorer with a 4–1–0 record. The two men represented the heart and soul of Team Europe, helping them reclaim the cup for the first time since 2018.
On The Favorite Chamblee podcast, commentator Brandel Chamblee addressed the moment after Europe won the Ryder Cup when a jubilant McIlroy and an exasperated Rahm appeared side by side. He said: “You know, he looked pretty disgruntled when you’ve seen him in the media center.
“I think part of why, who knows exactly why, maybe it is for the money. But I think part of the reason why he left was that he felt like he didn’t have as big a voice in the world of golf as Rory McIlroy.
“When he was finally asked a question, sitting up in the media center in Rome, he was like, ‘What, what, what?’ He acted like he was asleep. And he acted, you know, pissed that he hadn’t been previously asked a question that they were all going to ask Rory. And, you know, I thought that was pretty telling. And shortly after, he went to LIV.”
This moment may have represented a revealing glimpse into Rahm’s state of mind, with McIlroy sensing the tense moment. Chamblee added: “Rory turns to me and goes, he’s only the number one player in the world, which he wasn’t the number one player in the world, but there was Rory conceding ground as a conciliatory moment to Rahm.”
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry are three of the members on the Europe Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)
McIlroy was also a staunch opponent of LIV Golf at the time, only for Rahm to sensationally join the Saudi-backed series months later. McIlroy expressed disappointment in the decision, but their relationship clearly remained strong as the Northern Irishman insisted Ryder Cup rules needed to be altered to get Rahm on the team.
“Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025,” McIlroy declared. “Because of this decision, the European Tour is going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility. Absolutely. There’s no question about that. I certainly want Jon on the next Ryder Cup team.”
Rahm welcomed McIlroy’s comments, saying: “It’s amazing to hear. I have the utmost respect for Rory McIlroy, and to have his support right away is very, very special. It’s almost emotional to hear about it.”
It’s undeniable that McIlroy and Rahm’s relationship has somewhat deteriorated since 2023, with their public exchanges carrying a tense undertone. Perhaps old fires will be rekindled when they arrive in New York.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black between Sept. 26-28.
