Rahm Accuses DP World Tour of 'Extorting Players'
Jon Rahm has accused the DP World Tour of 'extorting players' in a recent statement, shedding light on his decision to remain outside a group of LIV Golf competitors who have signed a settlement to play in both organizations' tournaments. This move comes after eight players were granted releases by the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour) to participate in LIV Golf events this year, allowing them to retain memberships and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.
The settlement included an agreement to pay outstanding fines reportedly totaling £2.5m for playing in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, the withdrawal of all pending appeals, and an acceptance to take part in stipulated DP World Tour tournaments. Rahm, a former world number one and two-time major winner, expressed his refusal to agree to these conditions, suggesting a potential compromise if the number of required DP World Tour tournaments is reduced.
"I don't know what game they're trying to play right now," Rahm said. "But it seems like they're using us to capitalize on our impact in tournaments and fining us, trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer. And it's like they're extorting players like myself and young players who have nothing to do with the politics of the game."
He further emphasized his stance, stating, "Now, I did tell them, lower that to four events, like the minimum says, and I'll sign tonight. They haven't agreed to that. I just refuse to play six events. I don't want to, and that's not what the rules say."
When approached by the BBC for a comment, the DP World Tour declined to provide any further information.
