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mark schlabach
multiple authors
LIV Golf League Captain john rahm DP on Tuesday accused the World Tour of attempting to “extort” golfers and said it would not commit to competing in six events on the European Tour each season.
Rahm, speaking ahead of this week’s LIV golf tournament in Hong Kong, told reporters that he refused to reach an agreement with the DP World Tour because he did not like the terms of the agreement, which included stipulating two of the six tournaments in which he would have to play on the tour.
“I don’t know what game they’re trying to play right now, but it seems like they’re using our influence in the tournament and penalizing us and trying to take advantage of what we’re offering both ways,” Rahm said. “[It’s] Just a way they are extorting players [me] And young players who have nothing to do with the politics of sports.
“So, I don’t like the situation and I’m not going to agree to it.”
The two-time major champion said he would sign a deal with the DP World Tour if he was required to play only four events each season.
“They haven’t agreed to it,” Rahm said. “I just refuse to play six events. I don’t want to, and the rules don’t say that.”
On February 21, the DP World Tour granted conditional releases to eight of its members, including Rahm, to compete in LIV Golf League events this season.
In the past, Rahm has stated that he has no intention of paying the fine being levied by DP World Tour, which is reportedly up to $3 million.
DP World Tour said it has given permission for the release Laurie Cantor, thomas detry, Tyrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, adrien meronc, Victor Perez, david puig And elvis smiley To compete in the LIV Golf League this season.
A statement from the DP World Tour indicated that the golfer had agreed to pay all outstanding fines for violating tour rules, participate in no more than the four tournaments required to maintain his membership, and withdraw all pending appeals.
On Tuesday, Rahm noted that he had also been a PGA Tour member while competing on the DP World Tour and was not required to obtain a release to play in PGA Tour events.
“I’ve always been a dual member,” Rahm said. “I’ve never been asked for a release to play on one of those tours. We’ve never submitted a release. So why is it now that we need to offer it and have all these penalties? I understand why they’re doing it. What’s the problem?
“I don’t like the situation. I think we should be able to play freely where we want and we should have the choice whether to play where we want or not. [dictate] What we do, especially myself. I can’t speak for others, I can only speak for myself.”
Last season, Rahm competed in three DP World Tour events outside the majors: the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the BMW PGA Championship and the Spanish Open.
Rahm, Hatton and Meronc appealed against their previous bans in September, allowing them to continue playing in DP World Tour events. All three were disciplined to compete in LIV golf events which were held alongside tournaments on the European circuit.
That appeal allowed Hatton and Rahm to compete on the victorious European Ryder Cup team that defeated the U.S. 15–13 at New York’s Bethpage Black Course in September.
It is not known when a third party arbitrator will hear Rahm’s appeal. His case must be resolved in order to participate in the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland.
“I would happily pay to go to the Ryder Cup without having to pay to remain a member of the DP World Tour and fulfill a commitment I am fully prepared to make,” Rahm said Tuesday.
