Jon Rahm claims the DP World Tour is “extorting players” and explained why he is not among the group of LIV golf competitors who have signed a settlement that allows them to play in tournaments with both organizations.
Last month, eight players were granted releases by the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) to participate in this year’s LIV golf event, allowing them to retain their membership and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.
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The exemption included payment of an outstanding fine, said to be £2.5 million, for competing in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, withdrawal of all pending appeals, and acceptance of participation in defined DP World Tour tournaments.
Spaniard Rahm, a former world number one and two-time major winner, said he was “not going to agree” to these terms, but suggested a compromise could be found if fewer DP tournaments would need to be played.
“I don’t know what kind of game they’re going to play right now,” he said.
“But in some ways it looks like they are trying to benefit from what we have to offer both ways, by using us to gain leverage in the tournament and by imposing fines on us.
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“And in a way, they’re just forcing players like me and younger players who have nothing to do with the politics of the game.”
He added: “Well, the funny thing is, I told them I’d cut it down to four events, which is the minimum, and I’d sign tonight.
“They don’t agree to that. I’m just refusing to compete in six sports. I don’t want to do that and that’s not what the rules say.”
DP World Tour has been contacted for comment.
“I don’t like this situation,” Rahm said.
“I think we should be free to play wherever we want and not be told what to do and have the option to play wherever we want, especially for ourselves. I can’t speak for others, I can only speak for myself.
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“I have always committed myself to playing in minimum conditions (on the DP World Tour) and I think I play four events every year, including the Spanish Open, apart from one professional match, and I am committed to doing that.
“That hasn’t changed. I’m still going to do that.”
His behavior could threaten his ability to compete in next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland, where he was part of Europe’s top four teams.
