LIV Golf sensation Jon Rahm is set to tee off at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, marking his first appearance in the DP World Tour's opening Rolex Series event.
The Spanish golfer will be joining a star-studded field, including four-time defending champion Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup comrade Tommy Fleetwood.
Rahm's participation is likely influenced by his aspirations to make Luke Donald's Ryder Cup squad, with his LIV Golf involvement limiting his chances to earn points for selection.
Related articles
With Ryder Cup points up for grabs only on the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, and the majors—and Rahm barred from the PGA Tour—his outings on the European circuit are now crucial.
"This is an event that I have heard a lot about and I am looking forward to making my Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut in January," Rahm said. "I have had a lot of success in Dubai in the past so it's a place that holds a lot of good memories for me, so it will be great to get back there."
Rahm's stint at the Emirates Golf Club precedes the 2025 LIV season kick-off by three weeks, which will also feature Middle Eastern tournaments.
The breakaway league's season is set to commence on February 6 at LIV Riyadh, marking the first time the circuit has ventured to the Saudi capital. However, with his attention primarily on the DP World Tour, the conversation surrounding Rahm's prospects of representing Team Europe on the Ryder Cup stage is expected to take centre stage.
Rahm returned to the Wentworth-based circuit in September, needing to participate in four events by year-end to maintain his membership and remain eligible for a call-up from Donald at Bethpage Black. He fulfilled this requirement last month, a prerequisite for European LIV golfers wishing to compete in next year's matchplay clash.
Another requirement is settling fines owed to the PGA Tour for participating in 'conflicting' LIV events, something Rahm's compatriot Sergio Garcia did last week. However, Rahm has disclosed he has no intention of paying up.
"I'm not a big fan of the fines," he stated at the Spanish Open. "I think I've been outspoken about that. I don't intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen."
Rahm has since appealed against the sanctions imposed on him, thus making him eligible to play while the appeal is in progress.
