Jon Rahm reaches deal with DP World Tour to remain Ryder Cup eligible

LONDON: Jon Rahm has agreed terms with the DP World Tour that will allow him to keep his membership and stay eligible for next year's Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

The arrangement is similar to the one accepted by eight other LIV Golf players in February. Under the deal, the Spaniard will pay all outstanding fines linked to appearances in tournaments that clashed with European Tour events. The European Tour is now known as the DP World Tour.

Rahm, a two-time major winner, has been sanctioned for three conflicting events this season. Since joining the Saudi-backed LIV circuit in 2023, he has accumulated about £2 million ($2.7 million) in unpaid fines.

As part of the agreement, Rahm has also committed to playing agreed European Tour events during the rest of this year in exchange for securing conditional releases for 2026.

The DP World Tour and Jon Rahm have come to an agreement on conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the remainder of its 2026 season, said a DP World Tour spokesman.

This involves payment of all outstanding fines accrued from 2024 to date, along with participation in agreed DP World Tour tournaments (outside the majors) in the remainder of the 2026 season.

Ryder Cup eligibility secured

The 31-year-old made his Ryder Cup debut in 2018. He was also a captain's pick for the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black, where Europe emerged victorious.

In March, Rahm had criticised the DP World Tour over the fines issue, saying it was extorting players while explaining why he had not signed a settlement agreement at that stage.

The latest deal means he remains in contention for selection for the 2026 Ryder Cup in Ireland.

Uncertainty around LIV Golf

The development comes amid fresh uncertainty over LIV Golf's future. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund said last week it would end its multi-billion dollar backing of the breakaway circuit at the close of the season.

That announcement has cast doubt over the future direction of LIV Golf, which Rahm joined in 2023.

Rahm has been one of the highest-profile players to move to the Saudi-backed series, and his agreement with the DP World Tour mirrors efforts by other LIV players to preserve a route back into European competition while continuing to play on the rival circuit.

The deal now clears the way for Rahm to retain his status with the DP World Tour, provided the agreed conditions are met, while also keeping him eligible for one of Europe's biggest team events next year.