Justin Rose urged Jon Rahm to push for qualification for next year's Ryder Cup but insisted it was the Spaniard's choice and he should not rely on a rule change, no matter how important it was for Europe.
Rahm needs to play in three DP World Tour events before the season ends in November in order to join Luke Donald's team either as an automatic pick or as one of six wild cards.
However, time is running out for the LIV golfer and unless the two-time major champion submits his entry for the Spanish Open by next Thursday’s deadline, it is difficult to see how he will be able to fulfill his commitment to retain his membership of the Tour, which is necessary for any player who wants to play against the American team at Bethpage next September.
Rose believes it would be a huge blow if the former world number one player cannot play in the New York Open, but acknowledged the tour's stance on enforcing the rule. “Regardless of where the world rankings say Jon is, or, you know, his golf game and who he's playing against or how he plays, we know what a great player he is,” Rose said.
“My point is that you want him in the team. He was a big factor in our victory in Rome. [in 2023]You want your lead to go out there and get the job done, and he did.
“But from my perspective, if he wants to play in the Ryder Cup, there is a way and I think that's all the DP World Tour can do. They have their own interests to protect and I still think that if the player has enough desire to play, it is a viable way. So, that's how I look at it. There is a way. You know, everyone has their own choice and I respect everyone's choice. [But] No one says you can’t play.”
Rahm will compete in next week’s LIV Individual Final in Dallas and as top of this season’s Breakaway League standings he will be in contention for the £13.6m first prize.
Rose was speaking after announcing a purse increase for the Rose Women's Open, a Ladies European Tour entry event that starts on Friday at Brockett Manor in Hertfordshire.
Among the contestants is Sara Byrne, who was one of the standout players in Britain and Ireland's victory over the United States in the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale on Sunday. This week's contestants will be vying for the €72,000 (£60,699) top prize in the LET Access Series.
