Jon Rahm on Rory McIlroy: "You're putting ME in a difficult position here!"

Jon Rahm has offered his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's year in which the 33-year-old Northern Irishman has taken centre stage between the PGA Tour and LIV.

Ben Smith

16 Nov 2022

Jon Rahm on Rory McIlroy: "You're putting ME in a difficult position here!"

There was a lot to unpack from Jon Rahm's press conference before the $10m DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

First there was his thoughts on Sergio Garcia, where the Spaniard said he hoped the legacy of the 2017 Masters champion wouldn't be affected after he joined the LIV Golf League.

Then there was Rahm on the topic of LIV Golf itself. Rahmbo - who is now an honorary lifetime member of the European-based circuit - wants the breakaway tour to stop having publicity.

It didn't stop there as a blunt Rahm claimed the current situation regarding the Official World Golf Ranking was "laughable".

DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley warned the media that if his breakfast with Rahm was any indication, the Spaniard would be giving a lively news conference.

He wasn't lying.

Related: Jon Rahm, WITB?

Which brings us to the subject of Rory McIlroy. McIlroy was once again outspoken about the topic of the tour that must not be named this week before teeing it up at the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy has called for LIV's commissioner Greg Norman to step down from the Saudi-financed tour because the Australian, 67, has made his mark.

In the Northern Irishman's words, he believes two-time Open champion Norman needs to "exit stage left".

So what does Rahm think about McIlroy? He was asked his general thoughts about the 33-year-old after a simply remarkable year in professional golf.

According to Rahm, he thinks it's great that someone with his platform has taken a stand.

During the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs, there were rumblings that some players weren't too pleased with McIlroy after he and Tiger Woods spearheaded dramatic changes to try and fend off the threat of LIV poaching any more of their stars.

One anonymous PGA Tour pro was so disgruntled they apparently claimed they might as well re-name the circuit "The Rory Tour".

There were unsubstantiated claims that this player was Rahm. This was off the back of more speculation he was perhaps tempted to join LIV, but he has denied this was the case.

When asked how Rahm 'rates' McIlroy's year, he told the media:

"How do I rate? You're putting me in a difficult position here.

"He's played amazing golf to win the FedExCup, and to have a chance to win the Race to Dubai as well, it's unique. This would be I think the second time in his career he wins both, which is quite an accomplishment. He's played amazing.

"I think the only thing he will tell you that's missing is a major championship of having a pretty amazing year. It's great to see somebody with his platform to take a stand as he did, whether you agree with it or not, he's taken a stand on what he believes in and that's it. I think it's great.

"He's had a lot of input. He's been on the board of the PGA Tour and tried to make a change. To be honest, with how long those meetings are and how much as players we talk to each other to play as good as he has, is pretty remarkable. I mean, in this profession, we are all basically CEOs of our own little golf company, and now he has invested in so much more. Again, the role he's had in both is quite incredible."

McIlroy is the favourite to win this week. GolfMagic will be providing live updates of the season-finale so keep checking in with us.

As for Rahm, 28, he will be attempting to win this tournament for the third time. Rahm previously won here in 2017 and 2019.

Next page: Nine players who changed their mind about LIV Golf