Jon Rahm has declined a settlement offered by the DP World Tour that would allow LIV Golf players to retain membership and Ryder Cup eligibility. The Spaniard accuses the tour of extorting players by imposing fines and additional event requirements. He proposes playing only the minimum four events but warns this stance could jeopardize his future in the Ryder Cup.
Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner and former world number one, spoke in Hong Kong on Tuesday about his decision not to join eight other LIV Golf players in accepting a conditional release from the DP World Tour. The agreement, reached independently of LIV Golf, requires participants to pay outstanding fines—reportedly around £2.5 million or more than $3 million in Rahm's case—withdraw pending appeals, and commit to a minimum of six DP World Tour events, two of which are dictated by the tour.
Rahm expressed strong dissatisfaction with the terms. "I don’t like what they’re doing currently with the contract they’re having us sign," he said. "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." He accused the tour of "extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game," claiming they seek to benefit from players' impact while imposing penalties.
The Spaniard, who has maintained dual membership on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour throughout his career, insisted he would sign if requirements were reduced to four events, aligning with membership guidelines. "I’ve always committed to play the minimum requirement, and I think I’ve played four events, including the Spanish Open, every year except one as a pro," Rahm stated. He has played in the last four European Ryder Cup teams but noted his participation in the 2027 event in Ireland could be in doubt without resolution.
This dispute follows Rahm's move to LIV Golf in late 2023, where he hoped the league's schedule would allow him to retain status on other tours. He has a pending appeal with the UK's Sports Resolutions panel, arguing that LIV's recognition in world rankings should prevent sanctions. The DP World Tour declined to comment when approached by the BBC.
Rahm's position echoes earlier sentiments from 2022, when he emphasized solutions require all parties' agreement, though he acknowledged the European tour's reliance on key players for events like the Ryder Cup.
