Luke Donald says he is “delighted” that Jon Rahm will be available for Ryder Cup selection. This comes after the Spaniard settled his dispute with the DP World Tour.
Rahm’s Eligibility Secured for 2027 Ryder Cup
Rahm, who was a key figure in the European team captained to victory by Donald in Rome in 2023, had looked set to be ineligible to feature at Adare Manor in 2027. He had initially declined an offer from the DP World Tour over conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on the breakaway circuit during the 2026 season. In March, Rahm accused the European-based tour of “extorting players”.
However, he struck a deal with the DP World Tour earlier this month that allowed him to retain his membership. This secured his eligibility to face the United States in Limerick from 17-19 September, 2027, when the biennial contest celebrates its centenary.
“It’s not my job to tell Jon what to do, but [I’m] delighted that a resolution has happened and that he’s available [for] the Ryder Cup team,” said Donald, prior to the opening round of this week’s US PGA Championship in Pennsylvania.
Donald Praises Rahm’s Ryder Cup Record
“Jon has proved how valuable he can be in a Ryder Cup. He’s played four and done extremely well. So to have him available for selection is pretty cool.”
Donald will become the first European to serve three consecutive terms at the helm since Bernard Gallacher led the team to one win and two defeats between 1991 and 1995. Rahm’s potential presence is only likely to buoy a strong Europe side who have not lost on home soil since The Belfry in 1993.
The two-time major champion has collected 10½ points since making his debut at Le Golf National in 2018 and been part of a winning team on three out of four occasions. He boasts a formidable foursomes record, collecting a maximum six points from six matches in the alternate-shot format, and he was also Europe’s top points scorer in their heavy 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.
Team Unity a Priority for Donald
When asked if Rahm has any bridges to build on the European side, Donald added: “It’s obviously my job to make sure everyone is aligned.
“I like to use the phrase even brothers fight sometimes. But deep down, they love each other, and the mission is pretty clear when we play a Ryder Cup, and that’s to win.
“They understand that putting those feelings, those egos of different personalities, personal things to one side is important if you’re going to be successful.
“I don’t have any real qualms or issues that the team room won’t be unified.”