Dean Burmester blasts Rory McIlroy over South Africa comments

Dean Burmester has aimed a pointed dig at Rory McIlroy during LIV Golf South Africa, after the five-time major champion questioned Jon Rahm’s desire to compete in the country.

Speaking after a brilliant third-round 65 at LIV Golf South Africa on Saturday, Burmester did not hold back when McIlroy’s name was raised in a press conference — suggesting the Northern Irishman’s recent comments had not gone down well locally.

McIlroy earlier this month cast doubt on Rahm’s enthusiasm for the inaugural South African stop on the LIV Golf schedule, saying: “I’m sure Jon doesn’t want to go to South Africa next week, but he’s going there.”

The remark sparked an immediate response from Rahm, who defended both his schedule and his appreciation for playing globally — including in South Africa.

But it was Burmester, a home favourite, who delivered the sharpest reaction yet. 

When a journalist compared McIlroy’s popularity in Northern Ireland to Burmester’s support in South Africa, the LIV golfer quickly shut down the discussion.

“I think bringing up Rory here after his comments of South Africa is not a great idea,” Burmester said.

Prior to his one-liner about McIlroy, Burmester had been speaking glowingly about Bryson DeChambeau and the work he has done to help grow the game. 

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Burmester’s comments came after a flawless third-round 65 that vaulted him to 17-under par at LIV Golf South Africa.

The round left him tied for fifth and four shots behind leader DeChambeau heading into Sunday's final round.

DeChambeau is going in search of back to back LIV Golf titles after winning in Singapore last week. 

Rahm, meanwhile, remained firmly in contention at 18-under par and three shots off the pace. 

The Legion XIII captain is looking to win for a second time this season having already won in Hong Kong this month. 

Both Rahm and DeChambeau look in prime shape with The Masters on the horizon from 9-12 April. 

Away from the on-course action, Rahm continues to be at the centre of ongoing tensions with the DP World Tour.

The Spaniard earlier this month withdrew his appeal against sanctions for playing LIV events without releases, with fines reportedly exceeding £2.25 million. 

However, the two-time major champion has made it clear he will not accept the DP World Tour’s current terms to regain full membership.

Rahm broke his silence on the matter after the third round at Steyn City. 

“We keep trying to negotiate what the best outcome is,” Rahm told reporters after his third-round 64. “They offered a deal that I don’t think was right.”

At the heart of the dispute is the number of events required to maintain membership. 

Rahm insists he is only willing to commit to four tournaments — in line with his historical schedule.

“I don’t think it’s right that they’re requiring people to play more golf than is already required,” he added. “If they reduce it to four events, a lot of this gets cleared up.”

The situation leaves ongoing uncertainty around Rahm’s Ryder Cup eligibility, particularly as other LIV players — including Tyrrell Hatton — have reached separate agreements.