Jon Rahm is set to make a stunning comeback on the DP World Tour at the Spanish Open in Madrid as he aims to become the event's most decorated champion.
Rahm's journey back to the top of Spanish golf has not been without its challenges due to a feud between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf. The Wentworth-based body imposed fines and bans on players involved in events linked to the controversial Saudi-funded league, including the penalty for Lahm.
Faced with being excluded from the National Open, the former world number one was forced to appeal against these punitive measures to ensure he was able to swing at home.
The Spanish golfer made it clear that he will not succumb to financial penalties from the DP World Tour. Earlier this month, Lahm defiantly declared: “I'm not going to pay the fine and we've been trying to discuss with them how to make that happen”.
His loyalty to Spanish territory remained unwavering. Rahm has always insisted: “I've said it many times, I'm not going to the Spanish Open for glory or anything. I think it's my duty to Spanish golf to go there and I also want to play at Sotogrande. [Andalucia Masters]”. Lahm will now appear at this week's much-anticipated event, ensuring his love for the sport trumps politics.
Rahm's commitment to the Madrid tournament is more important than ever as the golf star needs to play three more DP World Tour events before the end of the year to retain his membership, which is crucial to his Ryder Cup team qualifications important. A move to LIV Golf has sparked fears Lahm could miss out on next year's European squad.
Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding his wife Kelly's pregnancy casts further doubt on his ability to fulfill those commitments this season. “I haven't been able to play in any tour events yet, so yes, we have to sort that out before I can hopefully play in the Spanish Open,” Rahm said at the Open in July.
“Right now, I'm still waiting to see what's going to happen with my wife and daughter, so I don't know if I'll be able to play. So my fall is still a question mark when it comes to golf.”
However, with the birth of their third child earlier this week, Kelly has cleared the way for Lahm to arrive in Madrid ahead of Wednesday, just in time for the start of Thursday's game.
Personal challenges aside, Lahm is now ready to focus on pursuing historic achievements on the court. He has won the Spanish Open three times and is about to surpass the legendary Seve Ballesteros as the most successful player in the tournament.
While reveling in the glory of his success, LIV golf ace Rahm recognized the influence of past legends on his career, saying: “The history of the game is a big part of who I play and why I play. one, Seve became one of them”, exactly forty years to the day after Ballesteros’ second extraordinary victory at Augusta.
