Jon Rahm has accused the DP World Tour of “extorting” players by fining them for competing on the LIV Golf circuit, escalating a dispute that threatens his Ryder Cup future. The Spaniard, who signed for LIV in 2023 in a deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, incurred fines and suspensions as a DP World Tour member for playing in the Saudi-backed events.
Rahm has appealed against those sanctions, with a hearing pending. Meanwhile, eight other players in the same situation—including his Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton—have reached an agreement with the DP World Tour, paying fines and agreeing to play or publicise certain events to remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.
“I don’t like what they’re doing currently with the contract they’re having us sign,” Rahm said. “I don’t like the conditions. They’re asking me to play a minimum of six events and they dictate where two of those have to be. They’re extorting players like myself.”
Rahm insists he is willing to meet the minimum requirements of DP World Tour membership, including playing events such as the Spanish Open. However, he objects to being forced to comply with terms he deems unfair. “I think we should be able to freely play where we want,” he added.
If Rahm loses his appeal—which precedent suggests is likely—he faces being frozen out of Europe’s Ryder Cup defence at Adare Manor next year. Insiders at the DP World Tour and Europe’s Ryder Cup fans are said to be baffled by his stance, and no resolution appears imminent.
