Jon Rahm will be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup in Ireland after striking a deal to continue playing on the DP World Tour and end a “stand-off”. The Spaniard had been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the European tour after playing LIV Golf events without official permission since his debut on the breakaway tour in 2024.
Rahm, a former world number one and two-time major winner, had become ineligible for DP World Tour events. As a member not in good standing, he would not have been available for Ryder Cup selection next year.
Throughout the dispute, Rahm had argued a solution would be found.
Terms of the Agreement
Rahm will now pay fines believed to be about £2m and be required to play a minimum of five DP World Tour events. He joined LIV in December 2023 as the then reigning Masters champion for a reported $300m (£222m). In two completed seasons, he has earned nearly $92.5m (£68.4m) in prize money.
“There’s no longer a stand-off,” the two-time major winner said.
“We were able to reach an agreement. There [were] some concessions on both sides.
“I offered some, they extended an olive branch. That will not be a stress any more.”
A DP World Tour spokesperson said that the agreement involves payment of all outstanding fines accrued from 2024 to date, along with participation in agreed DP World Tour tournaments (outside the majors) in the remainder of its 2026 season.
The deal comes a week after Saudi Arabia announced it would not be funding the LIV Golf League beyond the 2026 season.
Ryder Cup Implications
Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will be thrilled the Spaniard will be available for the next tournament at Adare Manor in County Limerick from 17-19 September 2027.
Rahm has played in four contests, with Europe winning three of them – including the last two in Rome and New York.
In those events he was a stalwart for Donald and forged a formidable partnership with fellow LIV star Tyrrell Hatton.
- They are unbeaten in five matches.
- They celebrated four victories.
In all Rahm has played 17 matches, winning nine, losing five and halving three. In foursomes he has a perfect record, winning all six contests against American pairings.
Other Players’ Agreements
Hatton is among eight other players who had already agreed terms with the DP World Tour to continue playing LIV events without incurring sanctions. They are required to play at least six events on the European tour.
Laurie Canter, Tom McKibbin, Thomas Detry, Victor Perez, Adrian Meronk, David Puig and Australia’s Elvis Smylie are the others to agree a deal which allows the tour to stipulate two of the tournaments they must play.
The deal struck by Rahm is said to be “akin” to what the other eight players agreed last February.
The DP World Tour and Jon Rahm have come to an agreement on conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the remainder of its 2026 season.