Luke Donald sends Jon Rahm message ahead of Ryder Cup

Luke Donald knows the value of Masters champion Jon Rahm, as he ramps up preparations for this year’s Ryder Cup.

The Englishman, who will lead Europe into battle for a second consecutive match, had the Spaniard at his disposal in 2023, and he duly obliged.

Rahm was unbeaten at Marco Simone as the home side dominated, winning both foursomes matches, whilst halving his only singles and fourball matches.

Speaking yesterday ahead of the PGA Championship, he was asked if Donald had given him any assurances of featuring in his travel plans for New York.

But Rahm deferred that to Donald – and the former world No.1 has now responded.

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“Well, I haven’t given anyone the nod,” he admitted. “I think it’s a little bit too early for that.

“Again, I have, we have, very in-depth stats. We know exactly how these players are playing. We have a great idea of where they stack up against each other and against the US.

“I certainly think it’s a little too early to be giving anyone firm assurances right now. We have three majors, elevated events, plenty of other events, Rolex Series events to play.

“I want them to go out and feel like they go and earn it. Let’s go in and play well.”

Donald who previously leaned on the statistical nous of Italian Edoardo Molinari, reiterated that numbers will inform his decisions.

But he needs no introduction to how good Rahm is.

“Again, we do have a lot of stats,” Donald said. “In terms of Jon, he’s one of the best players in the world, and I would expect him to be on that team, but I certainly haven’t given him those assurances.

“He still needs to keep going and playing just like everyone else.”

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A cloud hanging over his participation in the biennial match is his eligibility, however.

Despite being a member of the DP World Tour, Rahm has an outstanding appeal against sanctions by the circuit for playing in LIV Golf events.

However, that is a situation for Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the DP World Tour, to deal with, says Donald.

“I have had zero conversations,” he said. “That’s a question for Guy Kinnings. I do not get involved with the politics of that.

“So, my concentration is to get the best 12 players to New York, and hopefully everyone is eligible.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.