Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air

Jon Rahm will be competing at the Andalucia Masters (Image: Getty Images)

Jon Rahm has confirmed his participation in his fourth DP World Tour event of the season, the Andalucia Masters. This ensures he will retain his membership with the Wentworth-based circuit - and Ryder Cup setup - for another year.

Rahm's position within the European Ryder Cup team has been uncertain in recent months. After switching to LIV Golf late last year, there were concerns that the Spanish sensation could forfeit his DP World Tour membership, as members are required to participate in four events annually on the circuit to keep their card.

Membership of the Tour is vital for European players, as those aspiring to represent Europe on the Ryder Cup stage need to be part of the Wentworth-based circuit.

Having committed his 2024 campaign to the LIV circuit, Rahm had not featured on the DP World Tour prior to this summer's Olympic Games. The Parisian event, co-sanctioned by the European circuit, provided the former world No. 1 with one of the four starts needed to remain eligible for Bethpage Black.

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However, he still had three events to fulfil, and while LIV's campaign ended last month, there were fears that Rahm would fail to meet this quota after being fined and suspended by the DP World Tour for participating in 'conflicting' LIV events, coupled with the pregnancy of his wife Kelley.

Tour rules are clear that players must pay up and serve their suspensions. Yet, Rahm hadn't complied, even boldly declaring at LIV Chicago in September his defiance towards the fines.

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"I'm not a big fan of the fines," he admitted. "I think I've been outspoken about that. I don't plan to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen."

Jon Rahm could compete at the Ryder Cup. (Image: Getty Images)

In a strategic move, Rahm and his entourage opted to challenge the penalties, buying the ex-PGA Tour sensation some breathing space for a return to the DP World Tour. His comeback featured a near-miss at the Spanish Open last week, where he was pipped to the post by compatriot Angel Hidalgo in a gripping playoff, settling for runner-up.

Wasting no time, Rahm was back swinging within days, joining 13 other LIV Golf rebels at the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week. With only one more tournament to go to retain his DP World Tour and Ryder Cup eligibility, Rahm has now committed to playing once more in his homeland at the upcoming Andalucia Masters in a fortnight.

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Before presenting his case, Rahm emphasised his sense of obligation to participate in events on home turf. The Legion XIII captain said: "I've said many times, I don't go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else," and expressed a strong sense of duty: "I think it's my duty to Spanish golf to be there.

"I also want to play in Sotogrande [Andalucia Masters]. At that point, it would almost be doing not only me but Spanish golf a disservice by not letting me play. So yeah, that's why we're trying to talk to them and make that happen."

Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air

Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air

Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air

Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air

Jon Rahm decides on Ryder Cup fate with LIV Golf fines still up in the air