Jon Rahm responded to comments made by Rory McIlroy about the upcoming LIV Golf event in South Africa. Rahm, who shocked the golf world when he joined LIV Golf in 2023, is set to compete at the league’s upcoming tournament in South Africa. However, McIlroy recently suggested that the Spanish golfer might not actually want to be there.
McIlroy Questions Rahm’s Desire to Play
Speaking earlier in the week, McIlroy shared his opinion about Rahm’s situation and the complicated relationship between LIV Golf players and traditional tours. The Northern Irishman has long been one of the most vocal critics of LIV Golf. Since the league launched in 2022, McIlroy has repeatedly defended the PGA Tour and expressed concerns about the impact LIV could have on the structure of professional golf.
“I’m sure Jon (Rahm) doesn’t want to go to South Africa next week, but he’s going there,” McIlroy said.
The remark also came at a time when Rahm’s relationship with the DP World Tour has become complicated. Reports earlier in the week indicated that Rahm had refused certain terms related to his eligibility and obligations to the European circuit. That situation raised questions about whether the former world number one would be able to participate in future European events.
Rahm Claims South Africa is “Much More Lively”
However, Rahm has addressed McIlroy’s comment ahead of the upcoming tournament and made it clear that he is looking forward to competing in South Africa. The 31-year-old golfer explained that the environment at LIV events can be very different from traditional tournaments. LIV Golf often includes music, entertainment, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared with the quieter setting typically seen at PGA Tour events.
“Everything I know about South African fans tells me that it’s going to be rowdy. They know how to have fun which makes it a lot more fun for all of us,” Rahm said ahead of the event next week. “I’ve seen some pictures of the course…It’s a much more lively ground. Like I know you’re watching golf and the music’s going and people are having fun. It’s definitely a lot more enjoyable and even if you don’t play golf you’re definitely going to have a really good time and have a lot of fun so I recommend going for anybody.”
🇿🇦 @JonRahmOfficial is excited for LIV Golf South Africa 🙌#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/oCjKV1AK3r
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 5, 2026
Rahm will not be the only major name competing when LIV Golf hits South Africa next week. The tournament, scheduled to take place from March 19 to March 22, 2026, will feature several of the league’s biggest stars.
Among them are Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and South African, Louis Oosthuizen. Oosthuizen will also represent his LIV Golf team, Stinger GC, which is made up entirely of South African players. The team format is one of the unique features of LIV Golf, adding another layer of competition alongside the individual tournament.
Main Photo Credit: © Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
