In a stunning turn of events, two-time major champion and LIV Golf sensation Jon Rahm has ignited speculation about his future with Team Europe after choosing to skip the DP World Tour season finale in Dubai. Despite being fully eligible to compete, Rahm’s unexpected withdrawal has left fans and officials questioning whether this move could jeopardize his spot in the 2025 Ryder Cup.
The 29-year-old Spaniard, who rocked the golf world last December by defecting from the PGA Tour to join the controversial LIV Golf circuit, now faces scrutiny over his commitment to the European tour. His absence from the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where he is a three-time DP World Tour Championship winner, is particularly perplexing given his strong track record and the critical timing.
Rahm’s eligibility hinged on his position within the top 50 of the DP World Tour Rankings, but his decision to bow out mirrors his earlier snub of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a lackluster 38th-place finish in the first playoff event. These withdrawals have fueled concerns about his commitment to fulfilling the minimum event requirements necessary to maintain his DP World Tour membership—a key criterion for Ryder Cup eligibility.
While some speculate that the birth of his first daughter in September may be a contributing factor, Rahm has remained tight-lipped about his reasons. He did make a brief return to action at his national Open in Madrid, narrowly missing victory after a playoff loss to Angel Hidalgo, suggesting personal matters may not be the sole reason for his recent absences.
The stakes are high for Rahm and Team Europe. To don the blue and gold at Bethpage Black in New York next October, players must be active members of the DP World Tour. Unlike fellow Europeans like Sergio Garcia, who resigned his membership, Rahm has kept his status intact by participating in the required four events: the Olympics, the Spanish Open, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and the Andalucia Masters.
However, his continued distancing from key tournaments raises the question: Will Luke Donald, returning as Team Europe captain, gamble on Rahm’s availability and form when assembling his squad? With automatic qualification still possible through rankings, Rahm could secure his spot, but his recent actions might influence captain’s picks and team dynamics.
Meanwhile, Team USA has wasted no time in naming Keegan Bradley as their captain—a player who knows all too well the sting of missing out due to selection choices. As the transatlantic rivalry heats up, Rahm’s situation adds an intriguing subplot to an already high-stakes competition.
Golf enthusiasts around the globe are left wondering: Is Jon Rahm risking his Ryder Cup legacy with these high-profile withdrawals, or is there a bigger strategy at play? Only time will tell if Europe’s star player will stand on the tees at Bethpage, but one thing is certain—the drama surrounding his decisions is far from over.
