TRON, Scotland — Jon Rahm has revealed he has yet to pay the DP World Tour a fine related to his move to LIV Golf and participation in conflicting events.
But for him, the biggest hurdle to maintaining good standing on the DP World Tour, and therefore qualifying for the 2025 Ryder Cup, is playing the four events required for membership this season.
Rahm has yet to play in any tournaments, and despite having to deal with fines and suspensions, the DP World Tour does not prevent him from competing, just like the PGA Tour.
“We are still communicating with the tour,” Rahm said. “I haven't played any tour yet, so we have to get that sorted out first and then I can play the Spanish Open.
“Right now, I'm still waiting to see how my wife and daughter are doing, and I don't know if I'll be able to play. So, it's still unknown whether I can play golf after the fall.”
Rahm's wife, Kelly, is expecting a baby this fall.
The Spanish Open will be held from September 26 to 29, following the conclusion of the LIV schedule at the beginning of the month.
According to the DP World Tour, Rahm owes a “significant” fine for participating in the conflicting events. The exact amount has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be in the high six figures.
A DP World Tour spokesperson said disciplinary matters are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and not all fines or suspensions are the same in amount or duration. Much depends on whether the LIV event conflicts with a DP World Tour event and where it will take place.
Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk also play for the Ryder Cup and are theoretically interested in the Ryder Cup, but they also retain their memberships and face the same penalties.
Earlier this year, DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings explained that the rules did not need to be changed to include players like Rahm and Hatton.
“I think there’s been some misunderstanding because the reality is that under the current rules, if a player is European, is a member of the DP World Tour and abides by the current rules – then if you don’t get released, there are sanctions, and if you accept those sanctions, accept those penalties and abide by the rules – then there’s no reason why a player who has been granted LIV membership but retains DP World Tour membership can’t a) qualify or b) be selected,” said Kinnings.
Rahm remains a member of the tour and would be punished if any of the suspensions were publicly imposed (sometimes one or two) even if he had no intention of competing.
“I haven't paid yet, but I still don't know when I'll be able to play,” Rahm said. “It could very well be a chance that, because pregnancy hasn't been easy for me, I won't have a chance to play at all. I don't want to think about that right now.”
It is unclear whether Rahm has tried to reach a compromise with the DP World Tour. The Spanish Open is followed by the Dunhill Links Championship, the French Open and the Andalucia Masters, also in his native Spain. Next is an event in South Korea and then the final two tournaments of the season in the UAE, where Rahm needs to qualify via a points system.
Last year in Rome, Rahm led Europe to a 3-0-1 record with a 16.5-11.5 win over the United States.