Jon Rahm shook the golf world earlier today when his rumors of joining LIV Golf came true. The 11-time PGA Tour winner is now officially a defector, and he will lead a new team on the PIF-backed circuit. One would think that his move, of course, will undoubtedly leave many furious, especially the anti-LIV pros. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. At least not for the Saudi League’s biggest critic, Rory McIlroy!

The Irishman seems to have taken a different stance on his anti-LIV sentiment now that the World No. 3 has jumped ship. He is seemingly now more accepting and understanding of the choice to potentially leave behind the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. In fact, in light of the ambiguity surrounding the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy even spoke up in favor of Rahm.

Rory McIlroy believes Jon Rahm will still play at the next Ryder Cup

Just a few hours ago, Jon Rahm made an appearance on Fox News and announced his defection to the breakaway league. The long-lasting rumors that have been afloat for weeks have become a reality. With it, however, the darker end of things becomes real too, wherein the Spaniard will likely face the consequences of his switch by not being eligible to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup. But not if McIlroy has a say!

Although the 4-time major winner has always criticized LIV Golf and those who joined it, now that Rahm has shifted over, he seems calmer and softer. In an interview with Sky Sports earlier today, he even sang praises for the latest Saudi tour star and claimed that he could not judge someone who had taken a decision in the best interest of themselves and their family. “He has got so much talent, he’s so tenacious, and he’s a great teammate in the Ryder Cup,” he stated. “I have nothing but good things to say about Jon. I respect the hell out of him as a golfer.”

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The 24-time PGA Tour winner, when asked about the Spaniards’ presence at the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage, considering this year no LIV golfer was allowed to compete for the European side, even boldly stated that the rules would have to change. “Because of this decision, the European Tour are going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility,” he stated boldly. “There’s absolutely no question about that; I certainly want Jon Rahm on the next Ryder Cup team.”

These words from McIlroy directly contradict his stance from just months ago. When Ryder Cup veterans like Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, and Lee Westwood were snubbed from the international team due to their move to LIV, the Irishman harshly stated that they had made their bed and now had to lie in it no matter how “tough” it may be!

‘Hopefully’: Newly Appointed LIV Golf Captain Jon Rahm Makes a Crucial Verdict on His PGA Tour and DP World Tour Future

It seems like his friend’s move has shifted something in arguably LIV’s biggest critique. But is his new stance for Rahm alone? Or is Rory McIlroy now more understanding of everyone who defected to the other side? Only time will tell!

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