A whole different animal

Shane would love to play with big Jon at another Ryder Cup but bending the rules to get him into Team Europe? Well, that's...

- DALE RANKIN

SHANE LOWRY would love to play alongside "absolute animal" Jon Rahm at another Ryder Cup.

But he and fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington reckon bending the rules to let the LIV golf rebel take part could open up a can of worms.

This week's Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down is just the third qualifying event for Europe's team to defend the trophy at Bethpage next year but time is running out for Rahm to remain eligible.

In order to do so, the two-time Major winner has to contest four regular DP World Tour events this season, although the Olympics does also count.

After next week's BMW PGA Championship - which clashes with LIV's Team Championship - only five events remain before the DP World Tour's two play-off tournaments, meaning all eyes are on the entry list for this month's Spanish Open, which closes on Thursday.