Jon Rahm’s clash with the DP World Tour has intensified after the Spaniard alleged the body is “extorting” players with penalties for taking part in LIV events. Rahm’s prospects for the Ryder Cup remain uncertain, with no settlement in sight and officials from the DP World Tour and European Ryder Cup supporters puzzled by his position.
Rahm received fines and suspensions as a member of the DP World Tour – formerly the European Tour – after competing in the Saudi‑backed LIV series. He joined LIV in 2023 under a contract said to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Rahm has lodged an appeal against the sanctions and a hearing is pending. Meanwhile, eight other golfers in the same situation – including his Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton – reached an agreement with the DP World Tour that lets them play LIV tournaments while staying eligible for Ryder Cup selection. Those players have paid their penalties and consented to participate in or promote certain events.
“I’m not comfortable with the contract they’re asking us to sign,” Rahm said. “I don’t like the terms. They want me to play at least six tournaments and dictate that two of them must be at specific venues, among other conditions I can’t accept.
“I’m not sure what they’re trying to achieve, but it feels like they’re exploiting our influence in tournaments, fining us and trying to profit from both sides of the sport. They’re extorting players like me and younger competitors who have nothing to do with the politics of golf. I don’t agree with this and I won’t accept it.”
Finding a resolution to such a divided situation appears challenging. If Rahm’s appeal fails – as precedent would suggest – he could be excluded from Europe’s Ryder Cup defence at Adare Manor next season.
“I respect Tyrrell’s choice,” Rahm said of Hatton. “That’s all I have to say. He can decide for himself and I fully respect that.
“I believe players should be free to compete where they wish without being dictated. That’s especially true for me. I can’t speak for anyone else. I have always met the DP World Tour’s minimum requirement, playing four events each year, including the Spanish Open, except for one season as a professional.
“That won’t change. I intend to keep doing that. I’ll gladly fund my own Ryder Cup participation rather than pay to stay a DP World Tour member and meet a commitment I’m already prepared to honour.”
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