LIV Golf tried to work out some kind of deal with Jon Rahm before he appealed the fine the DP World Tour levied against him for playing in an LIV event that conflicted with one on the tour itself, Sports Illustrated reported Monday.
Representatives of the Saudi-backed LIV Tour reportedly met with the organization formerly known as the European Tour in August. In an effort to remove the fines imposed on Rahm and other golfers, the LIV “proposed a schedule adjustment” to avoid overlap between certain LIV events and DP World Tour events.
LIV has also provided €6 million in prize money for the DP World Tour and said it will create an exemption category for DP World Tour players to play in 10 selected events on the Asian Tour, LIV's official partner.
A DP World Tour spokesperson told Sports Illustrated: “We met with them and listened to their proposals but did not accept them as we still believe the focus should continue to be on all stakeholders working together to reach a holistic solution that benefits our sport.”
The question for Rahm is whether he can play in the 2025 Ryder Cup. He will not be eligible to join the European team unless he plays four DP World Tour events in 2024. His participation in the Paris Olympics counts as one, so he hopes to play three more.
But Rahm was fined this year for playing in LIV events held in conjunction with the DP World Tour, and those unpaid fines prevented him from qualifying. Rahm's agent last week requested an appeal rather than pay the fine. Under tour rules, Rahm is eligible to play in the Spanish Open later this month until the appeal is resolved in some way.
Rahm joined LIV Golf in December and captured the league’s 2024 individual championship after winning the season’s penultimate tournament, LIV Chicago, on Sunday.
