Spanish golf star Jon Rahm’s ability to compete in next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland has been thrown into jeopardy after the DP World Tour excluded him from a group of eight LIV Golf players who received special permission to participate in both tours.
The former world number one and two-time major champion was notably missing from Saturday’s announcement listing players authorized to compete in LIV tournaments while maintaining their DP World Tour standing.
The exclusion stems from Rahm’s refusal to settle substantial penalties for participating in LIV events without proper authorization. Sources indicate these fines total approximately 2.5 million pounds, equivalent to $3.37 million.
Under current rules, European golfers who lose their DP World Tour membership become ineligible for Ryder Cup team selection.
The eight players who secured conditional approval include Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie.
These approved players must meet stringent requirements to avoid disciplinary measures, including settling all outstanding penalties and dropping existing appeals.
Additionally, they must commit to participating in designated DP World Tour events and associated media obligations.
The DP World Tour issued a statement explaining the arrangement: “Provided each member satisfies the conditions of their individual releases, no disciplinary action under the regulations will be taken against them for playing in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf in 2026 and they will retain their membership status.”
The organization emphasized that these exemptions are limited in scope, stating: “The releases apply for the 2026 season only and they are not precedent-setting.”
Rahm played a crucial role for Team Europe during last year’s Ryder Cup victory, helping secure a 15-13 triumph over the United States at Bethpage Black.
Recently, Rahm joined fellow golfers Cam Smith and Bryson DeChambeau in declining an opportunity to rejoin the PGA Tour, instead choosing to remain with the Saudi-funded LIV circuit despite meeting requirements for the “Returning Member Program.”
The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place at Adare Manor from September 17-19.
