Wednesday 1 March 2017 16:57, UK
Jon Rahm has demonstrated his desire to play for Europe in next year's Ryder Cup by joining the European Tour as an affiliate member for the remainder of the season.
Rahm and PGA Tour veteran Kevin Na have both committed to playing in Europe, making Rahm eligible to earn Ryder Cup points when qualifying for Thomas Bjorn's team begins at the Czech Masters on August 31.
The Spaniard shot to prominence with his stunning victory at the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year, when he holed a monster 60-foot putt for eagle on the final hole to secure his maiden PGA Tour title in fine style.
Rahm, 22, is currently ranked 38th in the world - six places ahead of Na - and he is looking forward to playing on both main Tours as he chases a Ryder Cup debut in Paris.
"It means a lot to me to join the European Tour - I'm European after all," said Rahm, who enjoyed an encouraging rookie season on the PGA Tour last year as he finished in the top 25 six times from nine starts. "I have always wanted to play the Ryder Cup and I have always wanted to be a member of the European Tour.
"I have obviously taken a different approach to tour life than a lot of other Europeans who went to college in the States, but I thought this was my best shot. I'm surprised I have been able to take this opportunity so early but it's great to be able to join.
"I have so many memories of the European Tour - one that stands out was watching Justin Rose's hole-in-one on the third hole at the Volvo Masters the year he won the Order of Merit at Valderrama.
"I remember Miguel Angel Jimenez winning the French Open; Pablo Larrazabal winning the French Open and then Pablo and Sergio's play-off at the BMW International too. I'm really looking forward to playing some tournaments on the European Tour."
Na played 14 European Tour events while still a teenager in the 2003 season, missing the cut only twice, and he is also relishing the chance to experience a different schedule this year.
He said: "I played a little on the European Tour on sponsors' invitations in 2003 when I was 19. I enjoyed playing the Tour then and I always thought about becoming an affiliate member. I felt like this year was the right time for me.
"I'm looking at adding a few events to my schedule in Europe and I'm looking forward to seeing different parts of the world, and not only playing golf but going sightseeing too."
