Jon Rahm Speaks on Rory McIlroy Before LIV Golf Andalucia
As LIV Golf returns to Spain this week, one of the country's best golfers has been receiving much of the spotlight. Jon Rahm, who has been very consistent this season, has been facing tough questions ahead of this weekend. However, the Spaniard had something to say about PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy.
With Saudi Arabia's PIF backing out of its funding for LIV Golf, the media has constantly been asking players to share their thoughts. Rahm, however, has made it clear that he wants no part of the controversy as his job is only to play golf. Still, the 31-year-old appreciates the international approach of his current tour compared to his former one.
"The European Tour does play all over the planet, but there is work that can be done there so that the best players in the world play all over the world," Rahm said during the press conference ahead of LIV Golf Andalucía. He then used Formula One and tennis as examples of sports that compete across the globe while entertaining fans in different countries.
Jon Rahm had a large chunk of his press conference in Spanish. Translated, this on Rory and global golf was awesome:
— Evin Priest (@EvinPriest) June 3, 2026
"The European Tour does play all over the planet, but there is work that can be done there so that the best players in the world play all over the world, like…
The LIV Golf star added, "[Golf] such a beautiful sport that I wish there were more bigger tournaments in Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, China, Japan." Rahm then praised McIlroy for competing in international events, having played in last year's DP World India Championship and the Capital.com Australian Open.
Rahm said, "I do have to give some credit to Rory, because in recent years you do see him traveling to Australia, to India, to tournaments where he might not have played before or not in many years." The Spaniard added that Rory's presence can have a significant impact on both the tournament and the local golf scene in whichever country the Northern Irish star visits.
McIlroy has already committed to competing in both international events again this year. He gets the opportunity to play in other countries because of his involvement with the European Tour. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour primarily competes in North America, with very few international events. Rahm, however, gets to play in different countries more frequently through LIV Golf.
The latest event brings him back to his home country of Spain. He previously competed at Valderrama Golf Club in 2017 and 2019. He missed the cut during his first appearance at the venue while competing in the Andalucía Masters and finished tied for second place two years later.
Rahm has been in excellent form this year. He has won two LIV Golf events and finished T-2 at the PGA Championship. His worst LIV Golf finish this season came at the previous event in Korea, where he finished T-16. The Spaniard now looks to bounce back stronger and continue his dominance on the lucrative tour.
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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 9:38 AM.