Although Rory McIlroy may eventually share Jon Rahm's optimism about the state of professional golf, he currently does not believe the sport is in its "golden era" -- as the Spaniard suggested on Tuesday.

At the Dubai Desert Classic, Jon Rahm said “we’re living in a golden era right now for golf,” which Rory McIlroy didn’t quite agree with.

McIlroy has been speaking on behalf of the PGA Tour's side for the entire LIV Golf saga. Rahm was on his side for two years before jumping to the rival tour in late 2023. The division in golf's professional ranks has tanked television ratings but the recreational side of the sport has boomed in recent years.

David Ford was playing like one of the best amateurs in the world at the end of 2024. It's no surprise he starts 2025 on top of the leaderboard.

Rory McIlroy has responded to Jon Rahm's comments that men's professional golf is currently in a 'golden era', but the two stars have differing views on the topic

So, LIV Golf isn't exactly off to a flying start this year. The post Jon Rahm Told to Remove "Rose-Tinted Glasses" by Rory McIlroy Over His Far-Fetched PGA Tour Dreams appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will go up against each other in Dubai this week, and the pair are in disagreement over the current state of men's professional golf amid the PGA Tour-LIV fallout

Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.