He instantly balked at the suggestion, saying: “I certainly hope I’m not captain in ’31. I’d probably be the youngest captain ever in the European team.”
Interestingly, if Rahm was made the skipper of Team Europe, he would not be the youngest captain in the continent’s history. That honour belongs to Charles Whitcombe, who was 35 years, nine months and five days old when he led the team in the 1931 competition in Ohio.
The youngest captain in the competition’s history was the great Arnold Palmer, who skippered Team USA aged 34 years and 31 days old in the 1963 rendition in Atlanta, Georgia. Nevertheless, Rahm would prefer to play in Spain rather than lead the team itself.
The 30-year-old added: “It would be absolutely incredible not only to continue Ryder Cups but to be a part of one and play in one at home. I don’t think I can describe it.
“Both Paris and Rome were so incredibly special that to think of playing one in Spain, I really couldn’t put it into words. Knowing that some things smoothed over in the world of golf, that Sergio (Garcia) could possibly be the captain of the Ryder Cup team, that also adds to it. I wouldn’t know how to feel.
“There’s certainly some pressure that comes with it, but it truly would be a dream come true. I think there was only, that I can remember, four Spanish people that were involved in that Ryder Cup with Seve, Miguel was a vice captain, Ollie playing and then Nacho Garrido playing as well.
“So only four people can say they have done that. I don’t know how many players can ever say they’ve played a Ryder Cup in their home countries. Not many, besides the U.S. Team, obviously. But it would be unbelievable. I’m very happy that it’s happening. I’m hoping that somehow or another I can be a part of it.
Rahm’s hopes of being selected by Luke Donald lie in the wildcard pick. The Team Europe captain has six wild-card picks for his team of 12, with the other six going to the top six golfers on the European points list. Donald admitted earlier this year that he has not given any assurances to the LIV Golf star but would ‘expect’ him to play the event.