Jon Rahm has insisted he is confident he can negotiate a deal with the DP World Tour that will keep him eligible to compete on Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
Rahm has yet to settle an outstanding fine (reportedly more than £2 million) for playing in an LIV Golf League event without permission and breaching DP World Tour regulations.
Last month, the Spaniard rejected the DP World Tour’s offer, which was accepted by eight of his LIV Golf League colleagues, to conditionally release the tournament for the 2026 season, but only if the players agreed to withdraw their objections, pay a fine and play two additional events.
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Paul McGinley expects Jon Rahm and DP World Tour to reach agreement to allow two-time major champion to play at Adare Manor
Rahm, who described the deal as “extortion of players”, later withdrew his appeal against the sanctions imposed, leaving the future of the DP World Tour and potential Ryder Cup qualification uncertain.
“We continue to talk about the DP World Tour and are trying to find the most effective solution,” Rahm said ahead of the Masters. “I didn’t think it was good for anyone to go the legal route and go to court.
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Last month, Justin Rose asked Jon Rahm to settle his DP World Tour fine and maintain his eligibility for Team Europe.
“I believe in us and the DP World Tour. We are going to find a solution that is good for both of us.”
Luke Donald has previously said he hopes Rahm will be available for the Ryder Cup team again next September, with Team Europe looking for a historic third straight victory over Team USA.
Asked if he was confident he would play at Adare Manor next September, Rahm said: “Yeah.”
Jon Rahm rises to the top of LIV Golf League individual standings at Masters
“This will be resolved” – Rahm hopes a deal can be reached
The contract offered by the DP World Tour includes an obligation for players to compete in at least six tournaments, two of which are at the tour’s option, and Rahm previously said he would sign a contract if he was required to play only four tournaments per season.
Rory McIlroy admitted earlier last month that he was disappointed Lahm did not accept a “generous” contract, while Justin Rose said some “middle ground” could be found regarding the ongoing issues surrounding Team Europe’s future.
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Rahm explains his reasons for rejecting the DP World Tour contract, saying he doesn’t want to compete in six events
Rahm added: “I think we’ve already made (a compromise).” “We’ve told them many times already, I don’t think this is the week to talk about this. This is the first major of the year and how important this is to the entire golf world and to all of us.”
“We keep talking to them and we keep trying to negotiate. We’ve made quite a few concessions on some things and I think we’ve done that.”
Rahm and Rory McIlroy both played key roles in Team Europe’s 15-13 win at Bethpage Black
“We’re going to figure it out. It’s going to work out. For now, the DP World Tour is doing what it has to do and following the channels it has to follow, but we’re confident that this issue will be resolved by the time we start in September.”
Rahm is currently not scheduled to compete on the DP World Tour until September after the 2026 LIV Golf League season, but the 31-year-old is still motivated to play multiple events later this year.
“I really don’t know,” Rahm admitted regarding his current DP World Tour status. “I’m not scheduled to play until September, so that’s a bit of a positive. Even if I can’t play now, it doesn’t matter because I’m not going to tee it up until after August like I’ve done in my career.”
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Rich Beam explains DP World Tour statement that eight members have been granted permission to compete in competitive tournaments on the LIV Golf Circuit in 2026
“I will continue to support the DP World Tour. I am so grateful to be a member and so grateful to be able to support the tour and be a part of such great events.”
“The Irish Open was a really good experience for me and I would love to come back. Wentworth (BMW PGA Championship), the Spanish Open and probably Dunhill (Links Championship) have been great every year as well.”
“There are events like Roland Garros and Omega (European Masters). These are events that I would love to have the opportunity to play in.”
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening match of this year’s Major live exclusively on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round will begin on Sky Sports Golf from 2pm on Thursday. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
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