Jon Rahm has publicly endorsed Sergio García as a strong candidate to captain Team Europe for the 2031 Ryder Cup, set to take place at Spain’s Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort in Girona. Rahm emphasized that García’s deep Ryder Cup legacy and local connection make him an obvious and inspiring figure for the home team.
A Vision Rooted in History
Spain last hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997, when Seve Ballesteros served as European captain and led the team to victory at Valderrama. Rahm drew a direct parallel, arguing that a local captain like García would resonate powerfully with fans and evoke memories of that historic win.
Rahm explained that having a Spanish captain would be “absolutely incredible” and “do wonders for the crowd,” invoking the legacy of Ballesteros as an inspiring precedent.
Garcia’s Ryder Cup Credentials
Sergio García holds the record for most points recorded by any European in Ryder Cup history—28.5 points across ten editions from 1999 to 2021. His status as Europe’s all-time leading points scorer underscores his enduring value to the event—even if only in a leadership role.
Rahm noted that García not only excelled on course but brought experience and insight that he himself has leaned on in past competitions, including consulting García for advice ahead of previous Ryder Cups.
Barriers and Hope
Despite Rahm’s support, García faces eligibility challenges due to his affiliation with LIV Golf and prior departure from the DP World Tour—an issue that led to his exclusion from team and captaincy consideration in recent Ryder Cups. Past precedent includes the revocation of Henrik Stenson’s captaincy for similar reasons.
However, Rahm remains optimistic that evolving relations between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf could reopen the door for LIV-affiliated players like García to participate as vice-captain or captain in the future.
García himself has expressed his willingness to take on such a role, described it as an honour, and has pointed to the significance of leading Europe in Spain once again. He stressed that opportunities for selection remain years away but insisted he would hold the position with pride if given the chance.
Strategic and Symbolic Value
Rahm asserted that García’s experience is invaluable and that it would be “really stupid of anybody not to lean on Sergio’s Ryder Cup expertise,” calling him Europe’s greatest-ever player in Ryder Cup history. If permitted, Rahm said he would absolutely rely on García in a leadership capacity.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled for Bethpage Black in New York, followed by Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027, and then Spain in 2031. Rahm, who will be 36 by then, indicated he does not expect to captain the European side himself—and instead viewed García as the natural choice if circumstances align.
While much remains speculative, especially given the structural and eligibility hurdles, Rahm’s confident vocal support underscores the potential for García to continue influencing Team Europe—even off the course.
Why It Matters
- Legacy and fandom: García’s leadership in Spain harks back to Seve’s iconic 1997 tenure.
- Experience matters: With a record Ryder Cup point total, García’s insight and track record remain unmatched.
- Institutional shift: Rahm’s backing reflects momentum toward possible reconciliation between Ryder Cup governance bodies and LIV-affiliated players.
If those divisions continue to soften, and Spain indeed hosts in 2031, García could prove to be Europe’s inspirational captain—as both a symbol and steward of the competition’s enduring legacy.
