Jon Rahm has stated he will not pay his outstanding fines from the DP World Tour, raising questions about his eligibility for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. Rahm, who played a crucial role in Europe’s victory in Rome last year, joined LIV Golf for the 2024 season, resulting in fines for competing in LIV events that conflicted with DP World Tour schedules.
To maintain his DP World Tour membership and Ryder Cup eligibility, Rahm needs to participate in three more tournaments before the season ends in November. He has entered the Spanish Open, Dunhill Links Championship, and Andalucia Masters. However, a DP World Tour spokesman confirmed that Rahm remains ineligible to compete until his fines are settled.
“I’m not a fan of the fines and don’t intend to pay them,” Rahm said at LIV Chicago. “We are trying to discuss how to resolve this issue. I plan to play in Spain, but whether I’ll be allowed is uncertain.”
European players are required to compete in four DP World Tour events each year to keep their membership. Rahm’s participation in the Paris Olympic Games counts as one of those events. The remaining options for him to meet the requirement include the French Open and Genesis Championship in South Korea before the season-ending play-offs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Rahm, however, is unlikely to qualify for the play-offs based on current points standings.
Former European captain Padraig Harrington emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules. “The Ryder Cup is bigger than the match,” Harrington said. “If a player who follows the rules is excluded because another player hasn’t, it’s unfair.”
While Rahm’s former teammate Tyrrell Hatton, also a LIV player, managed to participate in the British Masters after appealing his fines, Rahm’s situation remains unresolved. European Tour officials, including captain Luke Donald, have stated that no special exceptions will be made.
Rory McIlroy previously suggested that the European Tour might need to revise Ryder Cup eligibility rules to accommodate Rahm, but Donald has reiterated that adherence to existing policies is essential.
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, Rahm’s potential absence could impact Europe’s chances, given his strong performance in the last Ryder Cup and his overall contributions to the team.