Lee Westwood backs Rory McIlroy’s call for resolution on DP World Tour fines
Lee Westwood has thrown his weight behind Rory McIlroy’s demand that Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton settle their substantial DP World Tour fines, reports BritPanorama.
The former world number one took to X on Wednesday evening, urging the Tour to schedule the pair’s long-delayed appeal hearing for mid-February. “Then nobody can have any complaints. Everyone will have been treated the same,” Westwood wrote.
He outlined the stark choice facing his fellow LIV Golf players: “If they lose their appeal, they either have to pay the fines and can carry on, or not pay the fines and resign and not be available for Ryder Cup. Then it will get interesting!”
Westwood also urged the Wentworth-based circuit to cease “the kicking of the can” and simply establish a hearing date, reflecting the frustration among some players regarding the prolonged process.
Adrian Meronk, a fellow LIV Golf competitor, believes Rahm will dig in his heels and refuse to pay regardless of the consequences for his Ryder Cup career. “Jon has been clear with his stand from the beginning, and I think he’s going to stick to that,” Meronk said.
Rahm’s position has been formalised through his management, informing DP World Tour headquarters that the two-time major champion has “no intention” of settling the fines should his appeal fail. Such intransigence would result in expulsion from the Tour and a ban from the 2027 contest at Adare Manor.
Meronk remains hopeful that behind-the-scenes negotiations might yield a compromise: “I hope there’s an agreement. I know there are some discussions definitely being made as we speak.”
The financial penalties stem from competing in LIV Golf events without obtaining releases from the Tour, with each unsanctioned appearance typically attracting a £100,000 fine. Rahm estimates his accumulated debt stands at approximately $3 million.
The appeal process has drawn particular criticism from Westwood, who points out the disparity in how cases have been handled. When he, Ian Poulter, and Sergio Garcia challenged similar sanctions in 2023, their hearing took place within four months and sided with the Tour. By contrast, Rahm and Hatton’s appeal was lodged some 18 months ago yet remains without a scheduled date.
Hatton addressed the controversy whilst competing alongside McIlroy in Thursday’s opening round at Emirates Golf Club. The 34-year-old, who has represented Europe in each of the past four Ryder Cups, expressed his desire to continue that record: “I’ve always been extremely proud to be a member on the DP World Tour,” he said. “Hopefully the only thing that stops me from being able to play in them would be age and some younger, much more talented players taking my spot.”
As for the fines, he offered little clarity: “I don’t have an update to give. It’s still with legal teams.”
The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor looms large, with qualification windows approaching and pressure mounting for resolution. With emotions running high and careers hanging in the balance, the coming months will be critical for those on the Tour as they navigate this tumultuous landscape.
