Rory McIlroy: ‘It’s unfortunate’ that Jon Rahm declined DP World Tour agreement
ORLANDO, Fla. — Rory McIlroy expressed that it is “unfortunate” Jon Rahm is the sole LIV Golf participant who has declined the terms of a DP World Tour agreement aimed at eliminating future fines, and he dismissed worries regarding the Spaniard’s potential ineligibility for the Ryder Cup team.
“The Ryder Cup is more significant than any individual,” McIlroy stated on Wednesday.
Rahm’s participation in the matches was cast into uncertainty this week when he rejected the European tour’s proposal — which included paying past fines for not obtaining a release to compete in LIV Golf events, withdrawing any appeals, and committing to two additional tournaments beyond the minimum four required for DP World Tour membership.
At LIV Golf Hong Kong on Tuesday, Rahm remarked that the DP World Tour was “extorting players” by mandating participation in two extra tournaments. He indicated that he would have accepted the deal if it had only involved paying fines, dropping appeals, and playing the minimum four events.
“I simply dislike the situation,” Rahm stated. “I believe we should have the freedom to choose where we play and not be dictated in our decisions.”
Tyrrell Hatton and seven other Europeans competing for Saudi-funded LIV Golf accepted the terms. The DP World Tour would assist in determining which tournaments to participate in to enhance the events on the schedule.
“In my view, it’s a very generous offer,” McIlroy commented, noting that it was “much more lenient” than what the PGA Tour required from Brooks Koepka for his return.
Koepka was obligated to donate $5 million to charity, was ineligible for PGA Tour equity shares for five years, and did not have access to FedEx Cup bonus funds this year. He also could not participate in the $20 million signature events unless he qualified.
“The European tour can only do so much to accommodate these individuals,” McIlroy remarked. “If you wish to compete in the Ryder Cup, you must be a member of the DP World Tour. … You must adhere to the rules and regulations.”
He explained that these rules entail being subject to fines if players do not secure a release to participate in LIV Golf events when the DP World Tour has a tournament scheduled that week.
The European agreement would eliminate the fines for LIV Golf players.
“Look, there’s a reason eight out of nine players accepted that deal, right?” McIlroy noted. “I believe it’s a very favorable agreement. Yes, clearly Jon disagrees, and he is entirely entitled to his perspective, but I just don’t understand what more the European tour can do to accommodate these individuals to maintain their membership.”
Regarding the DP World Tour’s influence on which additional tournaments to play, McIlroy teased Rahm by saying, “I’m sure Jon doesn’t want to travel to South Africa next week” for a LIV event.
LIV players are required to participate in every event on the schedule instead of opting for other competitions — Graeme McDowell would not have been permitted to play in the Irish Open when LIV Golf was held in Oregon during the same week in 2022.
“He signed a contract with LIV and is committed to 14 events and the entire arrangement,” McIlroy stated. “However, the DP World Tour is justified in protecting itself as a members organization and as a business. If you were to ask any DP World Tour member about the agreement they have reached with the LIV players, I believe they would all consider it quite generous.
“Once again, there’s a reason eight out of nine accepted it, because they likely share the same sentiment. And one individual sees it differently, and that’s regrettable.”
McIlroy addressed the media at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the same day Luke Donald was appointed as European captain for the Ryder Cup for a third consecutive time. Rahm has been part of every Ryder Cup team since his debut in 2018.
“It’s encouraging to see the clarity among the other players who have signed the conditional releases and recognize that they are available (for the Ryder Cup),” Donald stated. “Naturally, I haven’t spoken with Jon, so I prefer not to comment on that just yet. I understand he has his own reasons. However, I look forward to discussing it with him and genuinely hope that he is available.”
Rahm’s future with Europe, unless he changes his stance, hinges on a UK arbitration panel that is reviewing his appeals. The panel in 2023 ruled in favor of the DP World Tour, affirming its right to impose fines as a membership organization. If it rules in favor of the tour in Rahm’s case, his membership — and Ryder Cup eligibility — could be jeopardized.
“I believe we should all appreciate that we have a platform like the Ryder Cup to participate in and that we can showcase our abilities and be part of something that is undoubtedly much larger than ourselves,” McIlroy stated. “Ultimately, it’s about the team, and no single player is greater than the team.”
