Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has appealed against outstanding fines from the DP World Tour, which could jeopardize his participation in next year’s Ryder Cup.
The two-time major champion declared on Wednesday that he had no plans to pay the fines imposed for his involvement in LIV Golf events. This has raised concerns that Team Europe might head into the Ryder Cup without one of its key players.
Rahm played a crucial role in leading Europe to victory over the United States in Rome last October. However, to be eligible for a spot on captain Luke Donald’s team for the Ryder Cup in New York, the 29-year-old must be a member of the DP World Tour, previously known as the European Tour.
To retain his membership, he must play in three further events on the circuit before its season concludes with the Tour Championship in Dubai on November 17.
A spokesperson for the DP World Tour informed The World Daily that Jon Rahm has a pending appeal against the sanctions imposed on him. According to the DP World Tour’s regulations, Rahm is still eligible to participate in the Acciona Open de España presented by Madrid later this month.
Rahm’s situation mirrors that of fellow LIV Golf member and former Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, who also appealed his sanctions to compete in August’s British Masters and enhance his chances of joining Captain Luke Donald’s team.
“I’m not a big fan of the fines,” Rahm said ahead of LIV Golf’s regular season finale in Chicago on Wednesday. “I’m entered into the tournament… Whether they let me play or not is another matter.”
Rahm and Lowry were both under the captaincy of Pádraig Harrington during the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
As Harrington competes in his home Open this week, he expressed no envy towards returning captain Luke Donald, who faces a challenging situation leading up to next September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
“I’m a stickler for the rules,” Harrington said to reporters on Wednesday. “You know what the rules say, and you stick to them.”
He continued, “I know Jon Rahm and I’m a big fan of his. But if the rules are clearly defined, they need to be followed. It’s crucial for the Ryder Cup… it’s more than just the match.”
