Jon Rahm: McDowell as Ryder Cup Captain “Makes Sense,” But LIV Ties Complicate the Picture
Jon Rahm didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of Graeme McDowell captaining Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. “It would make sense,” Rahm said, acknowledging McDowell’s deep ties to Irish golf and his Ryder Cup pedigree. But as much as the idea fits on paper, the reality is more complicated - and McDowell knows it.
The Northern Irishman, who stepped away from the DP World Tour at the end of 2023, is currently ineligible for the captaincy. That’s a major hurdle, especially with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf and its relationship with the traditional tours.
Still, McDowell hasn’t ruled out the possibility. Speaking recently, he revealed that he’s already floated the idea to a few European players - just in case Luke Donald decides not to return as captain.
The feedback? “Reasonably positive,” McDowell said.
But even he admits there’s a long way to go.
“I would not want to be in a situation where this whole thing took away from what the Ryder Cup should be,” McDowell said. “The pureness of what the Ryder Cup is.” That’s the tightrope he’s walking - trying to find a way back into the fold without bringing controversy or division into one of golf’s most storied events.
The issue isn’t just about eligibility. It’s about optics, timing, and the still-unresolved tensions between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour.
McDowell understands the stakes. “I would hate for narratives and for bad feelings from the fan base to overshadow anything that should happen at Adare Manor.”
He’s not shying away from the challenge, though. “I would do anything that was required of me to be a captain - like, anything,” he said. “So we’ll see.”
McDowell also acknowledged that the decision may ultimately be out of his hands. “There are some conversations to be had, and I’d like to be there in some shape or form, but it’s a little bit above my pay grade,” he admitted. “It’s obviously a very high level of politics.”
He plans to speak with LIV leadership to better understand where things stand with the DP World Tour. He referenced Rahm’s own situation - the Spaniard is facing fines after his move to LIV - as a sign of how tangled the web has become. “We’ve talked about the word ‘healing’, and I just hope we can continue to get there.”
Walsh in the Mix in Saudi Arabia
While the Ryder Cup conversation brews, Irish golf had plenty happening on the course this week. Lauren Walsh fired a five-under 67 in the third round of the PIF Saudi Ladies International, putting her at eight-under for the tournament. That score has her tied for 23rd heading into the final round, seven shots back of co-leaders Hye-Jin Choi (Korea) and Rio Takeda (Japan).
Anna Foster is also in the field, sitting two shots behind Walsh at six-under after carding a 69. She’s tied for 41st.
Max Kennedy Shines in South Africa
On the men’s side, Max Kennedy made a strong start at the weather-shortened NTT DATA Pro-Am on the HotelPlanner Tour. His seven-under 65 on the Outeniqua Course has him tied for third, five shots behind red-hot leader Benjamin Follett-Smith.
Follett-Smith lit up the same course with a blistering 12-under 60 - a round that vaulted him three strokes clear of South Africa’s JJ Senekal. With the event now reduced to 54 holes, every round counts even more.
Gary Hurley is also in the hunt, sitting fifth after a 66. Conor Purcell posted a 68 to land in a tie for 25th, while Liam Nolan’s 69 at the Montagu Course has him tied for 41st.
The Takeaway
The road back to Ryder Cup relevance for Graeme McDowell is anything but straightforward. His desire is clear, and his credentials are solid.
But the political fog surrounding LIV Golf and the DP World Tour isn’t lifting anytime soon. For now, McDowell remains on the outside looking in - hopeful, but realistic.
Meanwhile, the next wave of Irish talent continues to make noise around the globe. Whether it’s Walsh chasing down a leaderboard in Saudi Arabia or Kennedy putting himself in contention in South Africa, the pipeline is alive and well.