Ryder Cup is 'not a Ryder Cup without fans', says Jon Rahm
"For me, a Ryder Cup without the spectators is just not a Ryder Cup"
By Keith Jackson
Last Updated: 30/04/20 3:29pm
Jon Rahm has echoed the sentiments of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka by insisting the Ryder Cup should not go ahead without spectators in September.
Organisers remain undecided on whether to press ahead with the contest at Whistling Straits behind closed doors to adhere to the social distancing and safety regulations that are likely to still be in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rahm has now made it a clean sweep of the world's top three players in calling for a delay until spectators are permitted to return in mass numbers to sporting events, while he also highlighted the disadvantage to Team USA as they face the prospect of losing a significant factor in their home advantage.
The Spaniard insisted his debut in 2018 was the highlight of his career so far as he reflected on beating Tiger Woods in Sunday's singles in Paris, but Rahm would not look forward to this year's edition being played amid an eerie atmosphere on the shores of Lake Michigan.
"We all want to be a part of the Ryder Cup, and I want to go there this year, win more than one point this time and hopefully retain the Cup on US soil," Rahm told Sky Sports Golf. "Of course I really want to play and be a part of the European team. It's a lot of fun and a unique experience.
"I have heard the rumours about a possible Ryder Cup with no spectators and, for me, a Ryder Cup without the spectators is just not a Ryder Cup.
"It's the one tournament of the year where we're not playing for ourselves, we're playing for Europe, we're playing for the United States, and it's for the fans. There are 50,000 people following four groups over the first two days and the atmosphere is what it is because of the fans.
"So, if they're not there, it's just 24 guys playing golf over a weekend with people watching at home. It just wouldn't be the same thing. And it wouldn't be fair for the US team either if they don't have the home support, which is always a big factor. The Ryder Cup in Paris would not be the same without the atmosphere we had.
"If it was up to me, and I hope I'm not alone in this, I think they should just delay it and be able to get it done in 2021 with spectators.
"These are unusual circumstances, and I don't think it's worth playing if you don't have spectators. It's not the same thing for us, it's not the same thing for the fans, and it's not fair to the game of golf in general.
"So I think they can afford to wait a year and have it done like it's supposed to be done."
