Jon Rahm accuses DP World Tour of ‘extorting players’ by issuing LIV fines | Golf

Jon Rahm’s dispute with the DP World Tour intensified after the Spaniard accused the organization of “extorting” golfers over fines for competing on the LIV Tour. Rahm’s Ryder Cup future remains in jeopardy with no resolution in sight, with DP World Tour insiders and European Ryder Cup fans baffled by his stance.

Rahm incurred fines and suspensions as a member of the formerly European DP World Tour, playing in what are considered competitive LIV events backed by Saudi Arabia. Rahm signed for LIV in 2023 in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rahm appealed these sanctions at an upcoming hearing. Meanwhile, eight players in the same position – including Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton – have reached an agreement with the DP World Tour, allowing them to compete in LIV events and remain in contention for Ryder Cup selection. These players paid fines and agreed to participate in certain events or publicize them.

“I don’t like what they’re doing right now with the contract they’re making us sign,” Rahm said. “I don’t like the conditions. They ask me to play a minimum of six events and they dictate where two of them should take place, among other things that I don’t agree with.

“I don’t know what game they are trying to play right now, but it seems like they are using our impact in tournaments, fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer. They are extorting players like me and young players who have nothing to do with the politics of the game. So I don’t like the situation and I’m not going to accept this.”

It is difficult to see how such a polarized picture can be resolved. If Rahm loses his appeal, and precedent suggests he will, he risks being left out of Europe’s defense of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor next year.

“I respect Tyrrell’s decision,” Rahm said of Hatton. “That’s all I have to say. He is free to make his own choice and I fully respect him.

“I think we should be able to play freely wherever we want and have the choice to play where we want without being dictated to what we do. Especially myself. I can’t speak for others, only for myself. I have always committed to playing the minimum [DP World Tour] requirement and I think I have competed in four events, including the Spanish Open, every year except one as a pro.

“That’s not going to change. I still intend to do that. I will happily pay my way into the Ryder Cup, without having to pay to remain a member of the DP World Tour and fulfill a commitment I am fully prepared to make. [to].”

The DP World Tour had no comment.