Padraig Harrington refuses to budge about Ryder Cup opinion despite being a Jon Rahm fan - "I'm a stickler for the rules"
Padraig Harrington believes the success of the Ryder Cup lies in sticking to the established rules, even if that means passing up a star like Jon Rahm. The Irishman has a long history with the Ryder Cup, both as a player and as captain.
Harrington is at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland for the Irish Open. During his pre-event press conference, a reporter asked for his thoughts on the current situation with Jon Rahm and the Ryder Cup.
The three-time Major champion replied that in any case, the rules must be followed as they are written. Here is what he said (via ASAP Sports):
"If anybody knows me, I'm a stickler for the rules. You know what the rules say and you stick to them."
He added:
"I know Jon Rahm. Big fan of Jon. And if the rules are written down, you've got to go about and stick to them. That's just the way it is. It's very important for the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is bigger than just the match."
Padraig Harrington also recalled that this is not the first time European golf has gone through a similar situation. This was part of what he said:
"We had this situation back in my day where players were playing on the U.S. Tour, where they had to come back and play enough events -- dispensations and exemptions."
DP World Tour rules require players to play in at least four regular tour events to maintain their membership. For players who have gone to LIV Golf, there are also fines and suspensions they must serve.
Jon Rahm: "I'm not a big fan of the fines"
Jon Rahm has only played one DP World Tour event in 2024 because the circuit included the Olympic event in its schedule. The Spaniard said he had signed up to play in the Spanish Open months ago, but he is not sure whether he will be allowed to play.
Speaking to the press at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Chicago, home of the LIV Golf Individual Championship, Rahm said he has no intention of paying the fines imposed by the DP World Tour as a result of his move to LIV Golf.
"I'm entered into the tournament. We entered a long time ago. Whether they let me play or not is a different thing. I'm not a big fan of the fines" he said.
The Spaniard also said he is in talks with the DP World Tour and still plans to play several tournaments in Europe.
Rahm will compete in the LIV Golf individual championship on September 13-15. He and Joaquin Niemann are the only players with a chance to win the season's individual title.
During the 2024 season, Rahm played all 12 tournaments on the LIV Golf schedule, although he only finished 11 as he withdrew from the Houston event due to injury. His results included one victory (London) and 10 top-10s.