Luke Donald sends Ryder Cup warning to Jon Rahm amid difficult run of form - as Europe captain insists no one has 'firm assurances' of a spot in the team
Luke Donald has given Jon Rahm no assurances about his place on the European Ryder Cup team at a time when his big-stage performances have come into question.
The Spaniard, one of the stars of the win in Rome in 2023, has finished higher than 14th only once in four majors since joining LIV 18 months ago.
Although there is no realistic prospect of Donald overlooking the two-time major winner, especially with a rowdy atmosphere expected for September's match at Bethpage Black, a free pass onto the 12-strong team has not been issued.
Donald said: 'I haven't given anyone the nod. I think it's a little bit too early for that. Again, we have, very in-depth stats. We know exactly how these players are playing. We have a great idea of where they stack up against each other and against the US.
'But I certainly think it's a little too early to be giving anyone firm assurances right now. We have three majors, elevated events, plenty of other events, Rolex Series events to play. I want them to go out and feel like they go and earn it. Let's go in and play well.
'In terms of Jon, he's one of the best players in the world, and I would expect him to be on that team, but I certainly haven't given him those assurances.
Rahm has struggled for form at various Majors since he defected to LIV Golf 18 months ago
'He still needs to keep going and playing just like everyone else. Again, no assurances have been given right now.'
Doubts around Rahm's form require the extra context of knowing he has not finished outside the top 10 in a LIV event this season. That he has also not won, having finished their league in first place last season, is hardly a cause for immense concern, but it does fall beneath the standards Rahm set on traditional tours before defecting.
Among the complications for Rahm, as well as Tyrrell Hatton, is that both men could be declared ineligible if they lose appeals against paying fines to the DP World Tour accrued after their departures.
Given the DP World Tour is in no rush to push through that process prior to the Ryder Cup, it is unlikely to be an issue that keeps them from appearing in New York.
For Donald, their experience will be weighted at a premium if they fall outside of automatic qualification and rely on a pick. The atmosphere in New York is expected to be such a factor that prospective rookies might find it harder to get selected.
Donald, who will be closely monitoring his contenders at the PGA Championship this week, said: 'I think I will certainly give a little bit more importance to experience, people who have been able to handle those big moments under the most scrutiny, those major championships, people who can step up, have had chances to win or have won major championships.
'I think it's something I will definitely consider, and it will be something that could give someone an edge if they're on a very similar playing field in terms of statistics.'
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