Jon Rahm has accused the DP World Tour of 'extorting' golfers by imposing fines and suspensions on players who compete in LIV events. The Spanish golfer's Ryder Cup future remains uncertain as the dispute escalates, with no resolution in sight.
Rahm incurred penalties after joining the Saudi-backed LIV circuit in 2023 in a deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He has appealed against the sanctions, with a hearing pending.
Eight other players, including Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, have reached an agreement with the DP World Tour, allowing them to play LIV events and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection in exchange for paying fines and committing to certain tour events.
'I don't like what they're doing currently with the contract they're having us sign,' Rahm said. 'They're asking me to play a minimum of six events and they dictate where two of those have to be... It just seems like they're using our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways. They're extorting players like myself.'
Should Rahm lose his appeal, he faces being excluded from Europe's Ryder Cup defence at Adare Manor next year. He stressed his willingness to meet membership requirements, stating, 'I still fully intend to do that. I'll gladly pay my way to go on the Ryder Cup.'
