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.

Rory McIlroy was asked about his reaction to Tom McKibbin's alleged decision to sign with LIV Golf, and his answer was nearly 3 minutes long.

Jon Rahm is back in DP World Tour action this week, with the former world No. 1 one of six LIV Golf stars competing at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club

Rory McIlroy said he cautioned Tom McKibbin against joining LIV Golf because he did not believe that his protege was ready for all that it entails at this point of his young career.

Jon Rahm remains optimistic that professional golf can reach an even “higher level” after years of turmoil, and he pointed Tuesday to at least two areas that he hopes could be cleared up in the interim.

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

Jon Rahm and two other golfers are appealing against the fines imposed for playing in LIV events and could lose their membership on the DP World Tour.

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

DP World Tour star Tom McKibbin has been heavily linked with a move to the LIV Golf setup and Jon Rahm's team, and the pair are in action at this week's Dubai Desert Classic