In a significant development for the 2026 golf season, Tom McKibbin and Ryder Cup standout Tyrrell Hatton are among eight players who have been granted conditional releases to participate in LIV Golf tournaments. However, Spain’s Jon Rahm remains without a reprieve. Rahm, a two-time Irish Open champion, has expressed his refusal to pay fines, which leaves him off the list that includes Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie.
This situation could impact Rahm’s eligibility for Europe’s Ryder Cup team next year at Adare Manor. The DP World Tour clarified that each player granted a release has agreed to specific conditions, such as settling outstanding fines, participating in additional DP World Tour events, engaging in media activities, and withdrawing any pending appeals. These conditions aim to enhance the DP World Tour's value and benefit all its members.
The releases are valid only for the 2026 season and do not set a precedent for future requests, which will be evaluated individually.
In other golf news, Mark Power from Kilkenny shot a remarkable four-under 66 in the third round of the Magical Kenya Open, elevating him to joint 12th place. Power, a former Walker Cup player, carded six birdies and two bogeys at Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
He trails leaders Angel Ayora of Spain and South Africa’s Casey Jarvis by five strokes. Ayora had a flawless 64, while Jarvis posted a 66, putting them one stroke ahead of American Davis Bryant and South Africa’s Hennie du Plessis.
Over at the Honda LPGA Thailand, Leona Maguire delivered a strong performance with a five-under 67 at Siam Country Club, moving up to joint 22nd. Her round included an eagle, four birdies, and a bogey.
However, she trails the leader, world number one Jenno Thitikul, by ten strokes. Thitikul shot a six-under 66, leading by two shots on 20-under from Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim.
Meanwhile, the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open faced challenges as the third round was cancelled due to a flooded course at Durban Country Club. Heavy overnight rain rendered the course unplayable, leading to a decision to cancel play after a lengthy delay. The tournament will now be shortened to 54 holes, with plans to resume play on Sunday.
Chris Wallace, the Tournament Director, expressed frustration over the cancellation but praised the grounds crew for their efforts. The aim is to complete 18 holes on Sunday, weather permitting, with play scheduled to start at 6:20 a.m. local time.
Currently, Galway’s Liam Nolan is tied for 28th at five-under, eight shots behind leaders Christofer Blomstrand of Sweden and Santiago Tarrio of Spain. West Waterford’s Gary Hurley stands at 54th on three-under par.