In a significant development for the golf world, Tyrrell Hatton and seven other LIV Golf players have struck a deal with the DP World Tour, allowing them to compete across both circuits. However, the spotlight is on Jon Rahm, whose absence from this agreement raises questions about his eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Hatton, along with Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie, had been playing in DP World Tour events while appealing fines for joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. These players have now been granted conditional releases to participate in LIV events that clash with DP World Tour schedules.
The conditions include settling all fines, committing to a certain number of DP World Tour events, and withdrawing any pending appeals. Notably, these releases apply only for 2026 and do not establish a precedent for future years.
The DP World Tour emphasized that these conditions are designed to add value to the tour and benefit its members. As long as the players adhere to the terms, they won't face disciplinary actions for participating in conflicting tournaments in 2026, and their membership status will remain intact.
Jon Rahm, however, has chosen not to agree to these terms, primarily due to his refusal to pay the fines, which he claims amount to around $3 million. This decision places his Ryder Cup eligibility in jeopardy. Despite his lucrative LIV contract, reportedly over $300 million, Rahm has resisted the requirement to participate in additional DP World Tour events.
Rahm's strategy involves appealing the DP World Tour regulations later this year, but the odds are stacked against him, as LIV players have not succeeded in previous legal battles with the tour. If unsuccessful, Rahm could face suspension, which would exclude him from Ryder Cup consideration in 2027, mirroring Sergio Garcia's predicament in 2023.
Rory McIlroy has publicly urged both Rahm and Hatton to accept the deal, highlighting the importance of the Ryder Cup and the fairness of the DP World Tour's sanctions. McIlroy underscored the tour's right to enforce its rules, which all members, including those who joined LIV, agreed to at the start of the year.
As the situation unfolds, the golfing world watches closely, understanding the high stakes involved for players like Rahm and the broader implications for the sport.