Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion and two-time main winner, introduced on Thursday he has formally left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. It’s a transfer positive to alter the panorama of golf, with LIV gamers now proudly owning seven of the earlier 15 main championships received.

Quite a few stars of the game reacted in numerous methods. Brooks Koepka is understandably looking forward to Rahm to affix. Jason Day was sorry to see him go whereas Justin Rose put the way forward for the PGA Tour in query.

Hilariously, Max Homa showcased his prognostication expertise, appropriately predicting what Rahm could be sporting when he made his announcement.

However perhaps essentially the most shocking response got here from Rory McIlroy.

Photograph by Andrew Redington/Getty Pictures

Following the information, McIlroy joined Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Weir.

“As somebody that’s performed on three Ryder Cup groups with Jon… Jon goes to be in Bethpage in 2025. Due to this resolution, the European Tour are going to must rewrite the foundations for Ryder Cup eligibility. There’s definitely no query about that,” McIlroy stated.

“I definitely need Jon Rahm on the following Ryder Cup group.”

He would go on to share his love for the reigning Masters champ, each as an individual and a golfer.

“I’ve nothing however good issues to say about Jon. I respect the hell out of him as a golfer and he looks as if he desires to reside his life the proper means. He desires to be dad, he desires to be husband.”

“The factor I’ve realized is you possibly can’t choose somebody for making a call they really feel is the most effective factor for them.”

It’s a little bit of a departure from McIlroy’s earlier sentiments about LIV and its gamers. However because the four-time main champ alluded to, the panorama of golf is altering drastically. LIV doesn’t seem like going wherever, and a few would argue it by no means was.

Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social media platforms.