Jon Rahm Appeals Fines to Secure Ryder Cup Spot

Jon Rahm has taken steps to secure his participation in next year’s Ryder Cup by challenging the DP World Tour’s fines imposed on him. To retain his membership on the European-based tour and remain eligible for the Ryder Cup, Rahm needed to either pay the fines or appeal them. With the deadline for entries to the Spanish Open approaching, Rahm chose to appeal and stated he had no intention of paying the fines.

A DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed that Rahm’s appeal is pending and that he remains eligible to compete in the Open de España, starting September 26. By contesting the fines, Rahm follows in the footsteps of Ryder Cup and LIV Golf teammate Tyrrell Hatton, who participated in the British Masters earlier this month despite similar fines. Both players faced fines for participating in LIV Golf events funded by Saudi Arabia.

These events conflicted with DP World Tour schedules and lacked prior permission. To maintain his DP World Tour membership, Jon Rahm must compete in four tour events annually.  His participation in the Paris Olympics counts toward this requirement. He has also entered the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and the Andalucia Masters in Spain.

The DP World Tour season will end in November. Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, supported Rahm’s decision to appeal. Donald, who saw Rahm contribute three points to Europe’s 16½-11½ victory at Marco Simone last year, welcomed the move. He acknowledged Rahm’s initial uncertainty but expressed pleasure with his decision.

Donald hopes that Rahm’s appeal could contribute to resolving the ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf’s Saudi fund. He observed that while progress has been gradual, there have been some recent advancements in these negotiations.