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.
The Spanish two-time major champion declined to join his Legion XIII teammate Tyrrell Hatton in resolving the long-running dispute over fines imposed for competing on the Saudi-backed circuit – also risking the wrath of Rory McIlroy.
Hatton was among 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 had opted to prolong the standoff, with the prestigious home Ryder Cup at Adare Manor now less than two years away.
Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup hopes will be up in smoke if he does not pay up
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 beyond the minimum four events required to maintain membership.
They have further agreed to undertake 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 to the entire membership,” the Tour stated.
Jon Rahm was one of LIV Golf’s biggest stars
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GETTYThe releases apply solely to the 2026 campaign and establish no 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 relate to tournaments he would not have entered regardless 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 and he continues to withhold payment, the consequences would prove 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.
Rory McIlroy had challenged Jon Rahm to demonstrate his commitment to Europe
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GETTYMcIlroy 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.
“We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup,” McIlroy observed. “We also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There’s two guys that can prove it.”
Hatton has now answered that call by settling his obligations, whilst Rahm’s position remains unchanged.
Curiously, the Spaniard had spoken positively about the negotiations just days ago at LIV Golf Riyadh, expressing satisfaction that a path forward was being sought for players to compete on both circuits without penalty.
His management have been approached for comment on his decision to reject the terms.
