Rahm wants Ryder Cup spot but won’t pay fines

Jon Rahm Refuses to Settle DP World Tour Fines Amid Ryder Cup Eligibility Dispute

Jon Rahm has firmly stated that he will not be paying his outstanding fines to the DP World Tour, casting doubt on his future participation in the Ryder Cup. The Spanish golfer, who played a pivotal role in Europe’s victory in the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, is now facing a potential barrier to competing in the event again due to his decision to join LIV Golf.

Rahm was penalized by the DP World Tour for competing in multiple LIV Golf tournaments, funded by Saudi Arabia, without receiving proper clearance from the European-based tour. These LIV events overlapped with scheduled DP World Tour competitions, leading to fines imposed on Rahm.

At 29, Rahm is under pressure to meet a deadline to maintain his DP World Tour membership, which is necessary for Ryder Cup eligibility in 2025, set to be held at Bethpage in New York. He must compete in three additional DP World Tour events before the season concludes in November. The tournaments on his schedule include the Spanish Open, the Dunhill Links Championship, and the Andalucia Masters. However, a DP World Tour spokesperson told BBC Sport that Rahm would remain ineligible for participation until the fines are settled.

Speaking at the LIV Golf event in Chicago on Wednesday, Rahm expressed his discontent over the fines and reiterated his unwillingness to pay them. “I’m not a big fan of the fines,” Rahm said. “I don’t plan on paying them, and we’re still in discussions with the DP World Tour to find a solution. I intend to play in Spain, but whether or not they’ll allow me is a different story.”

Rahm’s refusal to pay the fines deepens the ongoing conflict between players aligned with LIV Golf and the traditional tours. His decision also raises concerns about his future in Ryder Cup events, where he has been a key player for Team Europe.

As the November deadline looms, Rahm and his team continue to negotiate with the DP World Tour in hopes of resolving the issue and securing his eligibility for upcoming tournaments and future Ryder Cup appearances. Until an agreement is reached, uncertainty clouds Rahm’s participation in critical events.