Jon Rahm has expressed his desire that his appeal against the fines for participating in LIV events will not be heard before the Ryder Cup.
Rahm, alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk, are appealing against the financial penalties they received for playing in the Saudi-funded breakaway league without permission.
As a result, they can play sufficient DP World Tour events to keep their membership intact, making them eligible for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September.
Eddie Pepperell, a two-time DP World Tour winner, indicated last year that the appeal may “conveniently” be delayed until after Europe’s effort to claim their first victory on American soil since 2012.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but I can tell you my plan is to be on that team at Bethpage,” Rahm revealed during a press conference before his first appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
When questioned if he would pay the fines if the appeal doesn’t succeed, Rahm stated: “I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m hoping they don’t try to settle the appeal before the Ryder Cup.”
He believes that resolving the appeal prior to the Ryder Cup would not benefit anyone.
File photo dated 28-07-2024 of Jon Rahm, who admits he hopes his appeal against fines imposed for playing LIV events will not be heard before the Ryder Cup. Issue date: Tuesday January 14 2025. (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
It’s worth noting that the players who initially joined LIV in June 2022 challenged their suspensions and fines, retaining the ability to compete up until April 2023. This was when an arbitration panel upheld the DP World Tour’s authority to enforce its rules.
In a dramatic turn in golf’s ongoing internal conflict, it’s been revealed that two months ago, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the financial muscle behind LIV Golf – inked a “framework agreement” designed to quell the turmoil. Despite lengthy discussions, progress seems to be at a standstill, according to star golfer Jon Rahm.
“I think a lot of us would say that when that framework agreement was done over a year and a half ago, things would be further along at this point,” lamented the winner of two major championships.
“And it’s real hard to know what goes on behind closed doors. It’s up to people much higher up than me. I don’t know what their vision is or what they are expecting out of it.
“But I think we’re living in a golden era right now for golf where the possibilities are endless.”
Jon Rahm (left) has reiterated his support for Sergio Garcia as both men aim to qualify for the Ryder Cup (Anthony Behar/PA) (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
“A big tour in Europe and worldwide and a massive tour, the PGA Tour, and you have another big product with LIV and now you’re even adding the TGL. When it comes to golf, the possibilities are there right now.
“I think with the right minds put together, you can end up with a product and I’ve been saying this all along, that could put golf at a different level in the world of sport. I’m still hopeful that that can happen.”
Additionally, Rahm praised fellow countryman Sergio Garcia who, after facing heavy fines, has rejoined the DP World Tour in pursuit of an unprecedented 11th Ryder Cup spot.
“For people that see him any given day, Sergio Garcia can hit it tee-to-green better than anybody on the planet,” declared Rahm. “It’s that simple. He’s still that good and he’s still very valuable.
“I understand the change in circumstances. I get it. But at the end of the day, being Spanish and a friend and a mentor, I’m obviously going to be biased towards him. And I would love to see him in that team room.
“I think there will be a place for Sergio on the Ryder Cup any given time. It’s just a matter of letting his clubs do the talking.”