Two-time major champion Jon Rahm has rejected a compromise from the DP World Tour that would have cleared a path for him to continue playing LIV Golf without jeopardizing his membership — a decision that now clouds his Ryder Cup future.
The proposal would have allowed Rahm to compete in LIV Golf events without further penalty if he paid outstanding fines for playing without release, participated in designated DP World Tour tournaments and dropped his appeal. Rahm declined.
As a result, his eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland remains uncertain, pending the outcome of his appeal of fines tied to his participation in LIV events without the tour’s required conflicting-event releases.
The DP World Tour confirmed Saturday that eight LIV players — including four-time Ryder Cup veteran Tyrrell Hatton — accepted similar terms. The others are Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie. All but Smylie are eligible for Ryder Cup consideration.
Those players received conditional releases to compete in LIV events during the 2026 season after agreeing to settle their fines, meet additional tournament obligations and withdraw any pending appeals. The tour said the agreements are tailored to each player and require more than the minimum events necessary to maintain membership, along with participation in promotional activities.
Rahm has been firm in his stance against paying fines. Ahead of the 2024 Spanish Open, he said, “I am not a fan of the fines and don’t intend to pay them.” His appeal — which has yet to be heard — allowed him to remain eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Europe prevailed.
In April 2023, U.K.-based dispute resolution service Sports Resolution ruled that the tour, as a membership organization, had the authority to fine players for competing in LIV events without release. If Rahm’s current appeal fails and he refuses to pay, he risks losing membership — and with it, Ryder Cup eligibility.
Rahm left traditional tours for LIV ahead of the 2024 season while reigning as Masters champion, a move that came during fragile negotiations between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Those talks have since stalled, and the tours now appear headed in separate directions.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy recently referenced the lingering fines, noting that European players had long emphasized their willingness to sacrifice financially to compete in the Ryder Cup.
The PGA Tour has introduced a “returning members” pathway after Brooks Koepka came back following four seasons on LIV. The option was extended to major champions who joined LIV — Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith — but all have remained with the rival league.
Elsewhere, former Masters champion Patrick Reed opted not to renew his LIV contract and has returned to a full European schedule. With two victories already, he is positioned to reclaim PGA Tour status next season.
For Rahm, however, the standoff continues — and with it, uncertainty about whether one of Europe’s most accomplished players will be part of its next Ryder Cup campaign.