Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future in jeopardy as LIV Golf fallout continues
Jon Rahm’s prospects of representing Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup have been thrown into considerable doubt following his refusal to accept a settlement with the DP World Tour that eight fellow LIV Golf players agreed to on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
The Spanish two-time major champion declined to join his Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton and seven other golfers in resolving a long-standing dispute over fines imposed for competing on the Saudi-backed circuit. This decision has not only raised eyebrows but also risked alienating influential figures such as Rory McIlroy.
Hatton was among the eight golfers who reached terms with European golf’s governing body, alongside Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie. Tour sources expressed astonishment that Rahm chose to prolong the standoff, especially with the prestigious home Ryder Cup at Adare Manor now less than two years away.
The settlement requires each player to discharge all outstanding financial penalties owed to the DP World Tour for breaching its regulations by participating in LIV events. Those who signed must also withdraw any pending appeals against the sanctions previously imposed upon them. Beyond clearing their debts, the eight have committed to appearing at additional DP World Tour competitions, taking on media obligations and promotional activities on behalf of the circuit.
“The conditions these members have accepted will provide additional value to the DP World Tour and benefit the entire membership,” the Tour stated. The releases apply solely to the 2026 campaign and do not establish a precedent for future arrangements, officials confirmed. Rahm’s accumulated fines are understood to total approximately £2.5 million, a sum he has consistently refused to pay.
The former world number one has maintained since 2024 that he has no intention of settling the penalties, arguing they pertain to tournaments he would not have entered irrespective of his LIV commitments. His appeal against the sanctions is expected to be heard by an independent body, potentially commencing before the summer months. Should the ruling go against him while he continues to withhold payment, the consequences would be severe.
Under such circumstances, Rahm would face suspension from DP World Tour membership, rendering him ineligible for Ryder Cup selection. Other prominent players, including Sergio García, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter, resigned their memberships after losing similar appeals rather than pay their fines. McIlroy had issued a pointed challenge to both Rahm and Hatton at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic last month, urging them to demonstrate their commitment to the European cause.
Curiously, just days before declining the settlement, Rahm had expressed optimism about the negotiations at LIV Golf Riyadh, noting satisfaction that a path forward was being sought for players to compete on both circuits without penalty. His management has been approached for comment on his decision to reject the terms.
The ongoing saga is emblematic of the complex relationship between traditional and emerging formats in professional golf, and how swiftly allegiances can shift within the sport. With the Ryder Cup looming, how these players navigate their commitments could reshape the competition’s narrative.
