Luke Donald says Jon Rahm will be part of 'unified' European team at Ryder Cup

Rahm initially declined an offer that had been accepted by eight other LIV Golf players over conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on the breakaway circuit during the 2026 season.

The Spaniard came out with some strong stuff as he defended his stance over fines and suspensions imposed by the DP World Tour before revealing last week that an agreement had been reached with the Wentworth-based organisation.

It means that Rahm will definitely be eligible for the centenary edition of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland next September, when Donald will be attempting to create history by becoming a three-time winning captain after already leading Europe to victory in Rome and New York.

Speaking as he prepared to join three-time major winner Rahm in the field for this week’s 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink in Philadelphia, the Englishman said: “I'm not involved in the policy of the DP World Tour and the discussions between the parties. I did talk to Jon. I just wanted to get his thoughts on where he was.

“Obviously, I'm always in communication with the DP World Tour. It's not my job to tell Jon what to do, but obviously very delighted that a resolution has happened and that he's available as someone that can be a part of the Ryder Cup team.

“Having as many players available to pick from, especially someone like Jon who's obviously proved how valuable he can be in a Ryder Cup. He's played four and obviously two under my captaincy and done extremely well. So to have him available for selection is pretty cool.”

‘Even brothers fight sometimes’

Donald, who will be up against an American side led by Jim Furyk in County Limerick, was later asked if he felt that Rahm might have some bridges to rebuild due to the fact he’d gone as far as accusing the DP World Tour of “extortion” with regard to sanctions.

“I think time is certainly on our side,” he added. “It's 18 months until the Ryder Cup. I was glad an agreement had come to fruition sooner rather than later. I think the longer you leave that, the more onus is on me to potentially help with some of those bridges.

“In the last two Ryder Cups, I've had to deal with the world of golf. It's been very different to what we've ever seen in the past. I think there's always going to be people that have different opinions and different viewpoints. But, when it comes to the Ryder Cup in the team room, I think they're all pretty aligned.

“It's obviously my job to make sure everyone is aligned. I like to use the phrase even brothers fight sometimes. But, deep down, they love each other, and the mission is pretty clear when we play a Ryder Cup, and that's to win.

“They understand that putting those feelings, those egos of different personalities, personal things to one side is important if you're going to be successful. I don't have any real qualms or issues that the team room won't be unified.”