Remember Europe’s Ryder Cup win in 2023? Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm helped the European squad with a seventh consecutive win on home soil. Years of shared victories forged a friendship built on trust and respect. McIlroy has never shied away from praising Rahm’s talent and drive. So much so that he requested changes in the rules so that Rahm can play in the Ryder Cup this year. Though Rahm moved to LIV Golf after that win, those memories still shape him. Now, with Rahm’s recent struggles at LIV Golf this season, what McIlroy said back in 2023 might strike a chord.
Ahead of Indianapolis, an interviewer recalled Rory McIlroy’s praises for Rahm back in 2023. Speaking about McIlroy’s remark, “I’m playing with the best guy in the world over here,” he asked whether Rahm thinks about how he is stacking up against his peers. Rahm remained grounded, highlighting his incredible humility. “No. I try to compare with myself because the competition should be within myself and what I can do and what I can control,” Rahm said. “Obviously scores tell you how far you are from the next guys, but the way I evaluate it I just haven’t been able to win as much as I would have liked to,” the Spaniard told the media.
It is this humility and maturity that make McIlroy admire Rahm so much. Looking back, McIlroy had praised Rahm’s skill and tenacity during that same period. He called Rahm, “so tenacious and a great teammate at the Ryder Cup. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon. I respect the hell out of him as a golfer.”
Rahm opened up on his struggles to secure a win this season. Rahm acknowledged that “having to adjust some equipment and some bad behaviors in the swing that are harder to get rid of” made 2025 a difficult season. Although Rahm agrees that building some “bad habits“ has affected his momentum, he remains optimistic, looking ahead to the final regular-season LIV event at Indianapolis. “I can see the changes and improvement coming. I’m extremely hopefully for whatever is coming in the future, as well. Looking forward to that.”
Hero Dubai Desert Classic Jon Rahm ESP in the media centre for his press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the preview ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 14/01/2025 Picture: Golffile Fran Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Fran Caffrey Copyright: xFranxCaffreyx *EDI*
Rahm has had a remarkable year, there’s no doubt about it. However, whether it was a true show of Rahm’s spectacular game play is a controversial take. Although Rahm secured Top 10 spots across most of his starts, with the only exception at Dallas, Rahm has failed to claim a title. He came incredibly close to bridging his winless gap in Chicago. However, a nail-biting playoff round with Dean Burmester snatched away his chances.
The LIV golfer remains determined to turn things around and build on his progress. Fans will be watching closely as he heads to Indianapolis.
McIlroy’s support helped Jon Rahm navigate his LIV transition
Jon Rahm has always been vocal about his peers and mates. After his close win at LIV Golf Chicago against Dean Burmester, Rahm shared lessons he learnt from rival Joaquin Niemann. Yes, the Spaniard, who has always lifted Niemann, has a page to take from his strategy. However, looking back, a moment that still shines is McIlroy and Rahm’s heartwarming friendship, as Rahm moved to LIV.
Rahm admitted it’s “nice to have the support from a player the calibre of Rory,” noting that McIlroy’s acknowledgment of the changing golf landscape helped him stay grounded. “I think he might be seeing that the landscape of golf is changing and at some point you need to evolve,” Rahm said, highlighting how meaningful peer support can be during transitions.
The sentiment isn’t unique to Rahm. Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, joining Rahm’s Legion XIII team, found McIlroy’s public support encouraging and reassuring. For Rahm and Hatton, having McIlroy’s backing boosted confidence as they adapted to LIV Golf and future Ryder Cups.
Now with Indianapolis set this week, Rahm has one final opportunity to defend his individual title against Niemann. However, it is more than just about wins and titles. It is how you address the struggles and move ahead. And Rahm is setting a great example at that.
The post Jon Rahm Is Now Struggling With ‘Bad Habits’ 2 Years After Rory McIlroy Paid Him the Highest Compliment appeared first on EssentiallySports.
