Jon Rahm is putting his Ryder Cup eligibility in danger with his insistence on not paying fines levied on him and seemingly appears to be content with the consequences.
During LIV Chicago , reporters asked the Spaniard his thoughts regarding his outstanding fines and whether he would pay them to compete with his Team Europe teammates at Bethpage Black. The 29-year-old made it clear that he would not pay the fines.
"Well, I’m entered into the (Spanish Open). We entered a long time ago," said the LIV Golf star. "Whether they let me play or not is a different thing. I’m not a big fan of the fines. I think I’ve been outspoken about that. I don’t intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen."
Rahm also explained that playing in the Spanish Open means more to him than what many might believe. "I don’t go to the Spanish Open for the glory or anything else," he said. "I think it’s my duty to Spanish golf to be there, and I also want to play in Sotogrande."
The former Masters champion was initially fined for playing LIV Golf tournaments which conflicted with DP World Tour events without first requesting permission. In order for him to maintain DP World Tour membership - and to be eligible to play for Team Europe in 2025 - Rahm will have to compete in three more events this year.
Although he has yet to pay the outstanding fine, Rahm has entered to play in the Spanish Open, Dunhill Links Championship and Andalucia Masters. Still, a DP World Tour spokesperson reiterated Rahm would not be able to compete in events sanctioned by the European-based tour.
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1x8W5y_0vTBWMW000](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1x8W5y_0vTBWMW000)
If Rahm is unable to pay the fines or simply chooses not to, the world No. 14 will have to settle to watch Team Europe take on Team USA in New York from the side. While the team would sorely miss Rahm's presence , captain Luke Donald made his stance known on Rahm's insistence not to pay the fine, stating the team will not change its rules for one player.
"It's quite clear with the policy that you either pay the fines or you can appeal them, and within that appeal time you can still play some DP World Tour events, so Jon absolutely knows what is required," Donald said.
"He wants to play a few events and be eligible. I hope he does either pay the fines, or appeals and becomes eligible for my team because I would dearly love to have him be a part of that."
Donald also explained how he spoke with Rahm , sharing the Spanish star understands what is going to happen regarding his position on the team. "He knew when he signed for LIV what the policies were on the DP World Tour. You have to play your four," he said. "Per all the policies, he can pay the fines or he can appeal like some of the guys have, and that gives him the opportunity to do that.
“It’s really up to him to do that and become eligible. He certainly mentioned at the PGA Championship he was willing to do whatever it took to commit to me and the team. I hope that happens.”