Jon Rahm goes off on DP World Tour for ‘using players’, refuses to play in six tournaments

PoliticsSports
3 Mar 2026 • 6:00 PM MYT
HITC
HITC

Health IT, electronic records, medical office duties, music/culture, and ed-tech.

image is not available
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Jon Rahm has launched a fresh attack on the DP World Tour, accusing officials of extorting players amid an ongoing dispute over fines and release conditions.

The two-time major winner remains in conflict with European golf authorities after declining a conditional release that would permit him to compete freely in LIV Golf events

Rahm is reportedly facing $3 million in fines and has refused to agree to a requirement that he participate in six DP World Tour tournaments. The Spaniard spoke about the issue ahead of LIV Golf Hong Kong.

image is not available
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Jon Rahm accuses DP World Tour of extortion

Jon Rahm outlined his objections to both the financial penalties and the participation terms being enforced. He also pushed back against the tour’s authority to determine specific events he must enter.

Eight LIV Golf players secured conditional releases after paying fines, committing to additional DP World Tour appearances, and withdrawing appeals, but Rahm chose not to accept those terms.

“I don’t know what game they’re trying to play right now, but it just seems like in a way they’re using our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer.”

“And it’s just in a way they’re extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game.”

Rahm has lodged an appeal, though the situation has yet to be resolved. The outcome could have implications for his Ryder Cup eligibility.

Rahm refuses six-tournament requirement

The 31-year-old identified the six-event minimum as a key sticking point in negotiations. He also criticized the clause that allows the tour to dictate where two of those appearances must occur.

Rahm indicated he would not sign under those conditions and suggested he has no intention of altering his position.

“I don’t like what they’re doing currently with the contract they’re having us sign. I don’t like the conditions.”

“They’re asking me to play a minimum of six events, and they dictate where two of those have to be, among other things that I don’t agree with.”

With no agreement reached, tensions between Rahm and the DP World Tour remain unresolved.

Read more: