The world of international golf was rocked by Jon Rahm’s move to the Arab Super League, and the news sparked a series of reactions from industry players. Rory McIlroy, among the first to speak out, appealed for a change in the rules to allow the Spanish player to participate in the Ryder Cup. Meanwhile, former teammate Henrik Stenson has suffered complaints and criticism for his move to the Opposing team. Despite McIlroy’s unconditional loyalty to the PGA and the DP World Tour, it seems that the world number two is increasingly focused on the challenge between Team Europe and Team USA, rather than on individual competitions. The Ryder Cup is an eleven-man game, and Rahm’s absence from the European squad represents a serious loss. For this reason, McIlroy has asked the DP World Tour to rewrite the rules to allow the Spanish player to participate in the competition in 2025. Without a doubt, Rahm’s presence alongside his teammates would be a fundamental factor in winning the title .
Rory McIlory, statements
The European circuit has chosen a zero tolerance policy towards athletes who decide to join LIV Golf. Former Ryder Cup champions such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter were forced to resign from the DP World Tour due to their choice, and as a result, they had to say goodbye to their dream of competing in the Ryder Cup.
Well-known golf statistician Lou Stagner has questioned whether Rory wants a rule change to allow Henrik Stenson to captain the next Ryder Cup. Stenson had been named captain of the Old Continent for Rome 2023, but his appointment has been raised a few months later due to his decision to accept an offer to play on LIV Golf.
The Arabs behind LIV Golf have demonstrated that they have a careful and perspicacious strategy, deciding to also focus on the Ryder Cup captain to secure the best talents in world golf. The choice to focus on Stenson, however, proved to be a winning one, as the Swedish pro won his first race on the LIV Golf.
Rory McIlroy’s first tweet sparked a wave of controversy on social networks. In response to Lou Stagner, the famous Northern Irish golfer expressed a rather harsh thought towards his former teammate Henrik Stenson, calling him the best thing that could have happened to Team Europe 2023, due to his move to LIV. The reaction of Ian Poulter, who doubted the authenticity of the message, raised further questions about this controversy. However, McIlroy’s account is blue checked and no one has yet refuted the claim. Pablo Larrazabal, when asked about it, expressed a negative opinion on the matter, inviting us to avoid destroying one person to exalt another. In any case, it remains clear that Rory McIlroy’s stance has stunned those who know his character and his communication style, so much so as to make them doubt his authenticity.
It is possible to grasp another meaning of that tweet, perhaps expressed with a subtle ironic tone. Thinking carefully, one could interpret it as follows: “Stenson’s departure led to the replacement of Luke Donald, who then triumphed in Rome and convinced everyone that he would be reappointed for 2025.” The new captain demonstrated his skills, and the victory sealed his success.
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