RAHM EXPLAINS REJECTION OF DP WORLD TOUR OFFER
Spain’s Jon Rahm explains why he rejected the DP World Tour’s agreement offer during the LIV Golf Hong Kong press conference this week. (Photo: LIV Golf)
By Paul Gallagher
Jon Rahm would be an unquestionable loss if he’s unavailable for the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027, but the Spaniard remains resolute in his stance against paying fines to be eligible to play on the DP World Tour and ultimately selection for the biennial team event.
Last month eight LIV Golf players, including Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin and Ryder Cup player Tyrell Hatton, signed agreements to allow them to play in “conflicting events” with LIV Golf for the remainder of 2026. The eight players had to agree to certain terms, including payment of outstanding fines to the DP World Tour and withdrawing appeals against ongoing sanctions.
The requirements do not work for Rahm.
“Well, my position hasn't changed in a week. I don't like what they're doing currently with the contract they're having us sign. I don't like the conditions. They're asking me to play a minimum of six events, and they dictate where two of those have to be, amongst other things that I don't agree with,” said Rahm at this week’s LIV Golf Hong Kong.
“If we just go based on that - I've been a dual member my whole career, PGA TOUR and DP World Tour. Now with LIV Golf being accepted in the world rankings as part of the ecosystem, you could almost say a three-tour member, even though I'm suspended from the PGA TOUR.
“But I've always been a dual member. Never once have I been asked for a release to play either one of those tours. We've never submitted a release. So why is it now that we need to be offering this and there's all these penalties? I understand why they're doing it. What's the problem?
“Given also the fact that two years ago I was asked to appeal the fines so they could figure this out and sort it out and I did and we're running into more problems right now.
“I just don't like the situation. I think we should be able to freely play where we want and have the choice to play where we want and not be dictated what we do. Especially myself. I can't speak for others; only myself.”
The Spaniard (31) added that that he always committed to playing the minimum requirement, including his own national Spanish Open, something he remains committed to. He said he would have no problem committing to four events and suggested events such as the “Irish Open, Wentworth, French, Dunhill, Spain” on the tour’s Back Nine schedule.
“Out of those events, I would love to play my four in there given I'm going to the Spanish Open, three of those I am going to play, and I fully intend to play three of those. I would love to.
“I don't know what game they're trying to play right now, but it just seems like in a way they're using us to - they're using our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer, and it's just in a way they're extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game.
“So, I don't like the situation and I'm not going to agree to that.
“Now, I did tell them, funny enough, lower that to four events, like the minimum says, and I'll sign tonight. They haven't agreed to that. I just refuse to play six events. I don't want to, and that's not what the rules say.”
Rahm didn’t want to be drawn on other players’ decisions but did say: “I respect Tyrrell’s decision. That's all I have to say. He's free to make his own choice, and I fully respect it.
He also batted off Rory McIlroy’s suggestion about paying to play in the Ryder Cup.
“I think I responded to that a few weeks ago and I said that statement would make a lot more sense if all 12 of us were being asked to pay, not only just the two of us,” said the Spaniard. “There's more intricacy that goes into this whole situation, right. While I understand why he's [McIlroy] saying that we all do it for the love of the game, it's a different situation than what we usually see.
“I'll gladly pay my way to go on the Ryder Cup, not have to pay to still be a member of the DP World Tour and fulfil a commitment that I'm fully willing to commit.”
The impasse between the former world number one and two-time Major winner and the DP World Tour rumbles on.