Rahm, of course, has millions of reasons to promote the LIV cause. He said: “I have had a lot of people have reservations about LIV and then go and see an event in person and completely change their mindset.”
He talks of his relief at finally winning last July at LIV’s British event in Staffordshire. “To make a big career change and still end up being successful in the first year right away, I think, it was very nice to accomplish.
“That first win at JCB was more relieving than anything else. To become the individual champion was fantastic but to be honest so much of our effort goes to the team and it is the team victories that I have come to enjoy a lot.”
And the ultimate team win would still come within the established golfing order. Tellingly, Rahm hopes his appeal against the DP World Tour punishments comes, as expected, after the Ryder Cup – a scenario that is convenient for all sides.
Bethpage in September will be his fourth Ryder Cup and he its still waiting for victory on the road. “I haven’t been there,” he said.
“The last time was 2012 and from then on the home team has won by large margins, so clearly teams have become a lot better at defending their home turf.
“The golf course set up has become a lot different and Rory said it best in Italy when he said winning an away Ryder Cup has become one of the hardest things to do in golf.
“He is right. It would be incredible to be part of a team that wins away.”
In the meantime golf needs to sort itself out. Back in April, Rahm told BBC Sport that he thought his move to LIV as the reigning Masters champion could prove “a catalyst” for a peace deal between the rival factions.
The sport still awaits. “It’s real hard to know what goes on behind closed doors,” the burly Basque told reporters here. “I think so many of us want some kind of resolution to come together.
“And get the best product possible for the consumer, which is what I think we’re still in a position to do. But I think we’re living in a golden era right now for golf, where the possibilities are endless.
“A big tour in Europe and worldwide and a massive tour, the PGA Tour. And you have another big product with LIV and now you’re even adding the TGL (McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ Tomorrow’s Golf League).”
“When it comes to golf, the possibilities are there right now. I think with the right minds put together, you can end up with a product, and I’ve been saying this all along, that could put golf at a different level in the world of sport.”
