LIV Golf star says 'I certainly hope not' as he quickly shoots down Ryder Cup idea
Jon Rahm has confessed he would turn down the chance to lead Team Europe at the Ryder Cup when it arrives in Spain in 2031. Rahm played a crucial role in Rome 2023, remaining undefeated across his four matches as Europe triumphed over the USA with a score of 16.5 to 11.5.
The LIV Golf star's spot on Team Europe for this year's tournament is not assured due to his switch to the controversial Saudi Arabian-funded breakaway tour at the end of 2023. His £450million deal means he does not earn any Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points outside of the majors.
Those who wish to participate in the event for Team Europe or USA need to be within the top six highest earners in the OWGR table for their respective squads or be handed a Ryder Cup wildcard. Nonetheless, hoping the golfing landscape changes within the next six years, Rahm made it clear he wants to compete in Barcelona - just not as the captain.
When queried about the possibility of emulating former Team Europe captain Seve Ballesteros, Rahm appeared shocked, mistaking the question as implying he could be captain in just six years. He quickly dismissed the idea, saying: "I certainly hope I'm not captain in '31. I'd probably be the youngest captain ever in the European team."
However, should Rahm become the skipper of Team Europe, he wouldn't hold the record for the youngest captain. That distinction goes to Charles Whitcombe, who was 35 years, nine months and five days old when he captained the team in the 1931 Ryder Cup in Ohio.
Arnold Palmer holds the record as the youngest captain in Ryder Cup history, taking the helm for Team USA at just 34 years and 31 days old during the 1963 event in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite his situation, Rahm made it clear he wants to experience the competition on Spanish soil.
The 30-year-old golfer said: "It would be absolutely incredible not only to continue Ryder Cups but to be a part of one and play in one at home. I don't think I can describe it. Both Paris and Rome were so incredibly special that to think of playing one in Spain, I really couldn't put it into words.
"Knowing that some things smoothed over in the world of golf, that Sergio [Garcia] could possibly be the captain of the Ryder Cup team, that also adds to it. I wouldn't know how to feel.
"There's certainly some pressure that comes with it, but it truly would be a dream come true. I think there was only, that I can remember, four Spanish people that were involved in that Ryder Cup with Seve.
"Miguel was a vice captain, Ollie playing and then Nacho Garrido playing as well. So only four people can say they have done that.
"I don't know how many players can ever say they've played a Ryder Cup in their home countries. Not many, besides the U.S. Team, obviously.
"But it would be unbelievable. I'm very happy that it's happening. I'm hoping that somehow or another I can be a part of it."
Rahm's chances of being chosen by Luke Donald rest on the wildcard selection. Earlier this year, Donald confessed that he hasn't given any guarantees to the LIV Golf star but would expect him to participate in the event.
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