Jon Rahm claims the DP World Tour is “blackmailing players” as he outlines why he was not among the LIV golf competitors who signed a settlement that would allow them to compete in both organizations’ tournaments.
Last month, the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) approved eight players to participate in this year’s LIV golf event, allowing them to retain their membership and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.
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The exemption includes agreeing to pay an outstanding fine of approximately £2.5 million reportedly levied for participating in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, withdrawing all pending appeals and accepting participation in prescribed DP World Tour tournaments.
Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Spaniard Rahm said he “would not agree” to the conditions, although he suggested a compromise could be found if the number of DP matches that needed to be held was reduced.
“I don’t know what game they want to play now,” he said.
“But in a way it seems they are taking advantage of our influence in the tournament and fining us and trying to get a win-win out of what we have to offer.
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“In a way they are extorting players like me and young players who have nothing to do with the politics of the game.”
He added: “Now, I did tell them, funnily enough, cut it down to four events, like the bare minimum said, and I’d sign up tonight.
“They haven’t agreed yet. I just refuse to play in six events. I don’t want to and that’s not what the rules say.”
DP World Tour declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.
Jon Rahm says DP World Tour conditions are too strict [Getty Images]
“I just don’t like this situation,” Rahm said.
“I think we should be able to have the freedom to play where we want and the choice to play where we want without being told what to do. Especially myself. I can’t speak for anyone else but myself.”
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“I have always strived to meet the minimum requirements [on the DP World Tour]I think I will play four events every year, including the Spanish Open, in addition to the one as a pro, which I am committed to doing.
“That’s not going to change. I still fully intend to do that.”
His stance could make the difference between him being part of the last four European teams at next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland.
