LIV Golfer Issues Clear Response to Rory McIlroy’s “Cheeky” Remarks

Mar 4, 2026, 6:24 PM CUT

Jon Rahm (ESP) 18th green during the BMW PGA Championship 2022 day 1 at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, United Kingdom, 8th September 202

Rory McIlroy's Ryder Cup comments didn't sit well with Jon Rahm. During a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, Rahm was asked about his DP World Tour fines and as the reporter said, McIlroy's "cheeky" comments.

McIlroy had said, "We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There are two guys that can prove it."

Rahm’s reply went on simple frustration. He wasn’t just annoyed, and he even made his point.

Official presentation of the Open de Espana 2025 Jon Rahm attends the official presentation of the Open de Espana 2025 in the Plaza de Cibeles, on October 7, 2025, in Madrid Spain JON RAHM GOLF DEPORTE PRESENTACIÓN 07 OCTOBER 2025 Madrid Madrid Spain PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxESP Copyright: xJosexVelascox 7009837

"That statement would make a lot more sense if all 12 of us were being asked to pay, not only just the two of us. I'll gladly pay my way to go on the Ryder Cup, not have to pay still to be a member of the DP World Tour and fulfill a commitment that I'm fully willing to commit."

Rahm has been locked in a battle with the DP World Tour after getting hit with penalties for joining the DP World Tour. While eight players went on to pay the fines, Rahm didn't accept.

His real problem was that he felt the DP World Tour was trying to benefit in two ways. On one hand, they enjoy the attention and popularity that LIV players bring, and on the other hand, they are still fining those same players for playing in LIV events. He believes that it isn’t fair.

The tour wants him to promise to play six events every year, including two events they choose for him. Rahm does not agree with this. He says it limits his freedom to decide where he wants to play.

"I've always been a dual member," Rahm said. "Why is it now that we need to be offering this, and there are all these penalties?"

So What Does It Mean For Rahm In The Ryder Cup

Luke Donald was confirmed as the team captain for Europe, and one of the questions fans asked was about Rahm.

"Well, first day on the job, so I haven’t talked to him yet but obviously I will talk to Jon. We have a great relationship, and he’s been a tremendous teammate and player for me the last two Ryder Cups. I haven’t talked to Jon so I don’t really want to comment on that yet. I know he has his own reasons. But I look forward to catching up with him and really hope that he’s available."

Donald isn't too worried about the lack of clarity around Rahm. That's because he believes by the time they tee off next September, there may be a solution.

What do you think about Rahm's take on his fine? let us know in the comments!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar