At the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the American team stumbled out of the gate on the first day. However, they gradually found their rhythm, yet still trailed as the Europeans surged ahead, taking a 5.5–2.5 lead. Then, on Day 2, Saturday morning, the action kicked off with Match 1 ending in a tie. While the Americans showed flashes of improvement, the Europeans maintained a steady pace, continuing to apply constant pressure.

In particular, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton held a 2-up advantage over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay through 15 holes, keeping the contest tightly contested. Meanwhile, ‘G-Mac’s performance caught the attention of Irish-American Graeme McDowell, who was also enjoying the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup. To hype the rivalry, he posted a playful jab on X: “Security checking out Rahm’s Spanish passport on way to 9th tee…..yeah that figures.”

Well, McDowell’s lighthearted dig, which spotlighted Jon Rahm’s exceptional short game, sparked reactions from fans who misinterpreted the joke on social media. As a result, this led the Northern Ireland golfer to clarify: “I can’t believe that I have to explain that this is a joke which references Jon Rahm’s stereotypically Spanish awesome short game. It in no way, shape or form was meant to imply anything else.”

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However, Jon Rahm has established himself as a formidable force in golf. After making history on the Spanish circuit, he became the first Spanish golfer to win the U.S. Open in 2021. Now based in Arizona, the Spanish standout also became the first two-time winner of the Ben Hogan Award and achieved record-breaking performances that kept him at the top of the world amateur golf rankings for several weeks.

In addition, in July 2024, he captured his first LIV Golf tournament victory at LIV Golf UK. As a result of his power and precision, Rahm is renowned for generating tremendous distance off the tee. Yet, alongside his power game, he boasts an exceptional wedge game, relying on precise spin control and deft touch around the greens to consistently challenge the course.

However, he still belives he requires some guidance atleast.

Jon Rahm turns to McDowell for guidance before Ryder Cup showdown

The Ryder Cup got underway on Friday at Bethpage Black, with Team Europe taking an early edge as they look to defend the title they claimed in 2023. To win the Ryder Cup, a team must reach 14.5 points out of a possible 28. If the competition ends in a 14-14 tie, Europe retains the Cup as the defending champion. Team Europe currently holds the trophy after defeating Team USA 16.5–11.5 in the 2023 edition in Rome, and they are determined to defend it against a motivated American side in 2025.

As the second day unfolds, the stakes remain high. For this year’s 45th edition, Europe needs 14 points to retain the Cup, while the Americans must secure 14.5 points to reclaim it. On paper, the European squad looks formidable, featuring players such as Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, and Sepp Straka, led by captain Luke Donald and supported by vice-captains Thomas Bjørn, Alex Norén, Edoardo Molinari, José María Olazábal, and Francesco Molinari.

Interestingly, a month ago, Jon Rahm had hoped to be named a vice-captain, as revealed by three-time Ryder Cup winner Graeme McDowell. Speaking candidly, McDowell said, “Jon Rahm asked me earlier this year if I was asked to be a vice-captain at Bethpage Black would I accept it. I replied if they asked me to make coffees for you – I would go and make coffees,” said McDowell, “That’s how much it means to me and how much I want to be there in a supporting role for Team Europe.”

Looking ahead, the question remains: what does the future hold for 46-year-old Graeme McDowell in the European Ryder Cup team? After his controversial shift in 2022, could he stage a comeback and take on a leadership role once more? Share your thoughts below.