Jon Rahm makes LIV Golf admission with staggering amount owed in fines still to pay
Jon Rahm has revealed that he has yet to pay the fines imposed on him by the DP World Tour following his move to LIV Golf. This development leaves his future with the European circuit in question, even as he expresses a desire to return. Rahm joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series in December 2023,…
Jon Rahm has revealed that he has yet to pay the fines imposed on him by the DP World Tour following his move to LIV Golf. This development leaves his future with the European circuit in question, even as he expresses a desire to return.
Rahm joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series in December 2023, securing a lucrative £450 million deal for the 2024 season. This move, however, led to fines and suspensions from the DP World Tour, as it did for many other players who participated in LIV events contrary to Tour rules.
Unlike some of his peers who severed ties with the DP World Tour over these penalties, Rahm remains a member, with hopes of competing in the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black next year. To qualify, he must settle his outstanding fines with the Tour, but his current status is uncertain.
Speaking before the Open Championship, Rahm admitted, “We’re still in conversations with the Tour. I haven’t been able to play any Tour events, so yeah, we’re going to have to sort it out… I haven’t paid [fines] yet, but again, I just don’t know when I’m going to play.” Despite his LIV affiliation, Rahm intends to participate in the Spanish Open later this year, though his plans may be affected by the expected birth of his child with wife Kelley.
“I want to tee it up hopefully at the Spanish Open,” he said. “At this point, I’m still waiting on what might happen with my wife and daughter that I don’t know if I’ll be able to play or not. So my fall is still a little bit of a question mark when it comes to playing golf.”
Rahm added, “It could very well be a chance because it hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy, that I just simply don’t have the chance to tee off. My mind is not thinking on that right now.”
Other golfers like Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia also face hefty fines. Westwood owes over £700,000, while Garcia attempted to pay his £698,000 fine last year to secure a Ryder Cup spot.
Resolving these fines is crucial for Rahm and the DP World Tour, given Rahm’s key role in Team Europe’s successes. He was instrumental in their recent victory over Team USA in Italy, going unbeaten at Marco Simone and earning three points from four matches.
Both Rahm and the Tour are eager to settle this issue and clear the way for his potential participation in future events.
