Luke Donald has expressed his delight at Jon Rahm regaining eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup, following the Spaniard's agreement with the DP World Tour last week. Rahm, a key figure in Donald's victorious teams in Rome and New York, had been at risk of missing the contest at Adare Manor due to his ongoing dispute with the tour.
Speaking ahead of the US PGA Championship, Donald said: "Delighted that a resolution has happened and that he's available as someone that can be a part of the Ryder Cup team." He added that he had spoken to Rahm to understand his position, noting that the 31-year-old has performed excellently under his captaincy.
Donald acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund planning to withdraw financing at the end of the year. "We don't really know what's going to happen with LIV," he said, but stressed he is not worried about making decisions based on unknown factors.
When asked about potential bridges to rebuild after Rahm's criticism of the DP World Tour, Donald said: "I think time is certainly on our side. It's 18 months until the Ryder Cup." He expressed confidence that the team remains united, using the phrase "even brothers fight sometimes" to describe the dynamics.
Donald, now preparing for his third stint as captain, reflected on his unexpected path to the role. He noted that he may never have been captain had Henrik Stenson not been stripped of the job in 2023 after joining LIV. "I'm a big believer that things happen for a reason," he said, adding that he never dreamed of having three opportunities.
