Rory McIlroy has called on Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to prove their commitment to the Ryder Cup by paying fines incurred for playing in LIV Golf events. The fines, amounting to several million pounds, stem from tournament conflicts with the DP World Tour, where both remain members. McIlroy's comments come ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, where he is paired with Hatton for the opening rounds.
McIlroy referenced Europe's motivation during their victory at Bethpage last September, after it emerged that US players were paid to appear in the Ryder Cup. 'We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There's two guys that can prove it,' he said.
Both Rahm and Hatton lodged appeals against the sanctions in 2024, but the cases are yet to be heard. Rahm has insisted he will not pay the fines, creating a potential headache for Luke Donald, who is expected to remain European captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup. McIlroy's stance is believed to be shared by other senior European Ryder Cup figures.
Hatton, the defending champion at the Dubai Desert Classic, shrugged off McIlroy's remarks. 'I don't have anything to add,' he said. 'I have always been extremely proud to be a member of the DP World Tour. It is pretty hard to make Ryder Cup teams and I have been fortunate to play in the last four. Hopefully I will be able to play more in the future.'
McIlroy also reiterated his belief that a unified sport involving the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV remains impossible, citing irreconcilable differences between the parties. 'I don't see a world where the two or three sides will give up enough,' he said.
