Rory McIlroy has called on Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to prove their contribution to Team Europe by paying DP World Tour fines that could prevent them from qualifying for the Ryder Cup.
All three players participated in Team Europe’s historic Ryder Cup title defense in New York last September, with Rahm and Hatton only able to compete after appealing sanctions imposed since joining LIV Golf.
The DP World Tour has imposed financial penalties on members who participated in LIV golf events without permission, but dates for both players’ appeals of the fines and sanctions have not yet been announced.
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Rahm and Hatton will be forced to pay all outstanding fines (combining millions of pounds) if they lose their appeal or risk losing their DP World Tour membership, which they need to remain eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
When asked if Rahm and Hatton should pay their fines and remain in Ryder Cup consideration, McIlroy said this ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
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“We (Team Europe) have been very hard on the Americans about the pay to play in the Ryder Cup, and we’ve also said we’ll pay to play in the Ryder Cup. We have two guys (Rahm and Hatton) who can prove that.”
“I think organizations like this and their membership organizations have a right to abide by the rules and regulations,” McIlroy added of fines for holding inconsistent events.
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“What the DP World Tour does is uphold its rules and regulations, and as members we sign a document at the beginning of each year saying we agree to these rules and regulations, and the people who made the (choice) to go to LIV knew what they were.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with that, I guess that’s my opinion.”
Hatton hopes to extend Ryder Cup career
Hatton has competed in the last four Ryder Cups, earning the points that would guarantee him an outright victory in New York, and the Briton remains in the DP World Tour squad and hopes to make further appearances for Team Europe over the coming years.
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Asked if he could imagine not being a member of the DP World Tour and therefore not eligible to compete in the Ryder Cup, Hatton said: “No, I hope not. I’ve always been very proud to be a member of the DP World Tour and in recent years have certainly shown a commitment to participating in events here.”
“In the Ryder Cup, it’s quite difficult to get into these teams, but I was lucky to play in the top four. Everyone says that once you play, you never want to miss the next game, and I’m no different from that.”
“Hopefully I’ll be able to play more in the future. Hopefully the only factor preventing me from playing there will be age and in that sense younger, more talented players will take over my position. I hope my Ryder Cup career ends that way.”
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Asked if he knew anything about his appeal against the DP World Tour’s fines and sanctions, Hatton added ahead of his title defense: “To be honest, I can’t give you an update (on the hearing). We’re still negotiating with the legal team and there are still people we’re talking to to get everything resolved.
“I’m not thinking beyond that. I don’t really know what’s going on. I’m just here (Hero Dubai Desert Classic) to play golf as usual.”
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