In the fading Roman sunlight at Marco Simone, Rory McIlroy stood on the 18th green with tears in his eyes. Europe had just reclaimed the Ryder Cup in 2023, and his voice cracked as he spoke about what the week meant to him. McIlroy had been the emotional heartbeat of Team Europe, fist-pumping through fairways, rallying crowds, and taking on the responsibility of being the face of the team. By all means, it was his Ryder Cup. Yet just a few feet away, Jon Rahm sat quietly, overlooked by the cameras, despite delivering just as much for the team.

With Rahm managing a stunning tie in his match with Scottie Scheffler earlier that day, it was vital. But as the spotlight seemed tilted, those who paid close attention noticed his restless expression in the media room. That moment, largely overshadowed by the celebrations, is where ‘Golf’s Wise Guy’ now insists the first cracks between Rahm and McIlroy began to show. On The Favorite Chamblee podcast, renowned commentator Brandel Chamblee revisited that moment. “You know, he looked pretty disgruntled when you’ve seen him in the media center. I think part of why, who knows exactly why, maybe it is for the money. But I think part of the reason why he left was that he felt like he didn’t have as big a voice in the world of golf as Rory McIlroy.

“When he was finally asked a question, sitting up in the media center in Rome, he was like, ‘What, what, what?’ He acted like he was asleep. And he acted, you know, pissed that he hadn’t been previously asked a question that they were all going to ask Rory. And, you know, I thought that was pretty telling. And shortly after, he went to LIV.” For Chamblee, this wasn’t just an awkward press conference. It was a revealing glimpse into Rahm’s state of mind.

Chamblee even recalled how McIlroy, sensing the tension, tried to smooth it over in real time: “Rory turns to me and goes, he’s only the number one player in the world, which he wasn’t the number one player in the world, but there was Rory conceding ground as a conciliatory moment to Rahm.” He had recorded 2-0-2, 3 points for his team. And months ago, he had also won the 2023 Masters. However, the recognition was lacking.

On the other hand, McIlroy was shining. He was Europe’s top points scorer (4 points), achieving a 4–1–0 record. Additionally, he ranked No. 1 on the PGA Tour’s 2023 Player Impact Program and earned $15 million in bonuses. The program measures players’ influence across metrics like social media engagement, media mentions, and overall buzz, and so, it wasn’t surprising that he attracted all the attention.

Plus, let us not forget that it was also a time when McIlroy’s strong stance against LIV Golf most likely resonated strongly with golf fans, adding more fuel to his popularity. So, in hindsight, the tensions between him and Rahm might have been fleeting, but they carried weight. And within months, Rahm stunned the sport by announcing his defection. What once looked like harmless media-room body language seemed like a foreshadowing.

Top Stories

Judy Bell, USGA’s Groundbreaking Leader Who Inspired Generations, Dies at 89

Paige Spiranac Chokes Back Tears as She Opens Up on the Dark Reality of Being an Influencer

Scottie Scheffler Leaves Fans Stunned After Signing Deal with Multi-Million Dollar Giant

All Eyes on Charlie Woods as His Coach’s Bold Prediction Shakes Up Junior Golf Scene

Greg Norman Makes Quiet Move Days After LIV Golf Departure

The aftermath: Rory McIlroy reacts to Jon Rahm joining LIV

It is important to note that there was no feud in 2023, and there isn’t one now. What has changed is the tone of their interactions. Their relationship, which was once warm, is now noticeably strained. Going back to December 2023, Jon Rahm stunned the golf world by signing with LIV Golf, joining the Saudi-backed league, joining Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau. For McIlroy, who has been one of LIV’s fiercest critics, it was a gut punch. But instead of anger, his reaction was more reflective, even sympathetic. On December 7, 2023, while speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted he was disappointed but stood firm on one point: Rahm must remain part of Europe’s Ryder Cup future. “Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025,” McIlroy said confidently, referencing the next edition in New York.

“Because of this decision, the European Tour is going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility. Absolutely. There’s no question about that. I certainly want Jon on the next Ryder Cup team.” It was a striking shift in tone from McIlroy, who had once called LIV an exhibition series and led the PGA Tour’s resistance. In response to McIlroy’s comments, Rahm said, “It’s amazing to hear. I have the utmost respect for Rory McIlroy, and to have his support right away is very, very special. It’s almost emotional to hear about it.”

But it is undeniable that since 2023, McIlroy and Rahm’s relationship has grown less close. Unlike their previously easy camaraderie, their public exchanges now carry an undertone of strain. Now with Bethpage Black in the scene and with both of them welcoming each other in the team, who knows, maybe their old ways would find their friendship back.