Rory McIlroy may be the clear figurehead of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, but Shane Lowry has revealed that Jon Rahm stands alongside him as one of the true leaders in the team room.
Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf cast initial doubts over his Ryder Cup future, but the Spaniard will feature in his fourth appearance at Bethpage Black. Despite the controversy around his move, Lowry insists that Rahm remains a vital presence within the European setup.
Speaking about leadership in the camp, Lowry explained:
“I guess Rory is the figure in the room – but not just him. Him and Rahmbo are the two people that a lot of us look to for leadership, and they do a great job at that.”
Lowry, who describes himself as particularly close to McIlroy, said both players set the tone for the squad in Rome two years ago and are ready to do the same this week in New York.
“They lead from the front. Just having one of the greatest golfers of your generation in the room is pretty cool, and I think everyone feels lucky to have him on the team.”
Rahm also acknowledged McIlroy’s evolution into Europe’s cornerstone player. Reflecting on past Ryder Cups, he pointed out how McIlroy’s role has shifted:
“In Paris, Rory was one of the great players we had, but in Rome it really changed. He went from being just an incredible golfer to being the presence everyone looks to. He’s now the cornerstone of Team Europe.”
While Rahm admitted McIlroy struggled to make an impact at Whistling Straits in 2021, he praised how his teammate bounced back in Rome to become the heartbeat of the side.
“He’s the biggest name in Europe, our best player, and definitely the biggest presence. It’s special to have him around. He’s a heck of a superstar, and my respect for him only grows the more time I spend with him.”
For Team Europe, the duo of McIlroy and Rahm provides not only world-class talent on the course but also the leadership and presence that defines their locker room.
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