Jon Rahm revealed LIV Golf are not the 'enemy' as the sport's civil war continues between the Saudi-funded circuit and the PGA and DP World Tours. Rahm returned to DP World Tour action this week for his home event - the Spanish Open.
And it was a tournament to remember for the former world No. 1 as he secured a thumping six-shot victory to equal fellow Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros' record of three Spanish Open wins. Rahm was not the only Spaniard in the winners' circle on Sunday though.
Youngster Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra recorded his maiden professional victory, winning the LIV Golf Bangkok Invitational and the £3.6 million prize.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Saudi-backed circuit, Rahm paid tribute to his fellow countryman's first win, commenting: "Although some people want to make us look at them [LIV] as the enemy, he is just a 22 years old guy winning against some of the best players of the world. Congratulations if you see this Eugenio."
The comments came during Rahm's classy victory speech at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. One man who was left impressed by the Spaniard's congratulations was LIV rebel Poulter, who commended Rahm on his speech and his impressive victory in the Spanish capital.
Taking to Twitter, Poulter wrote: "Congratulations @JonRahmpga class win and class speech. Thank you for being you #respect." This is not the first time Rahm has spoken to settle the ice between the two sides of professional golf's ongoing battle.
One of the key controversies surrounding the LIV Golf saga, is whether the rebels will be able to compete in next year's Ryder Cup, with a decision expected following the legal battle between the PGA and DP World Tour and the Saudi-backed circuit.
Do you think LIV Golf players should compete in the Ryder Cup? Let us know in the comments section.
Whilst many - including Europe's star man Rory McIlroy - have claimed the famous team event should be a LIV-free competition, Rahm believes those who have defected to the breakaway series should still be eligible for selection. He said: "The Ryder Cup is not the PGA Tour and European Tour against LIV - it's Europe versus the US, period.
"The best of each against the other, and for me the Ryder Cup is above all. I wish they could play but it doesn't look good.”
