Jon Rahm 'intends' to play the Spanish Open but does not intend to pay piling DP World Tour fines
Jon Rahm's defection to LIV Golf earlier this year has had ramifications for the Spaniard. He has said in the past that he misses certain tournaments.
The golfer recently claimed he fully intends to play the Spanish Open despite his tour status and stated that he's working to resolve the situation. Rahm said (via Golf Monthly):
"Still talking to the DP World Tour. I intend to play in Spain. I'm entered into the tournament. We entered a long time ago. Whether they let me play or not is a different thing."
He also discussed the fines that have been levied against him for his decision to play on LIV. He said:
"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."
The LIV Golf star said that he doesn't play the Spanish Open for "glory or anything else" and that he believes it's his duty as a Spaniard to play the event. He also wants to play the Andalucia Masters.
Rahm believes it would be doing himself and Spanish golf a "disservice" if he wasn't allowed to play and claimed that's the main goal of his conversation with the DP World Tour. He was quoted as saying:
"At that point, it would almost be doing not only me but Spanish golf a disservice by not letting me play, so yeah, that's why we're trying to talk to them and make that happen."
Jon Rahm also hopes to play in the Dunhill before taking a week off. He said:
"I would also love to play the Dunhill. I have a good friend who asked me to play, and Joe has been a great, great ambassador for the game of golf. I would love to be able to play all those events."
Rahm would then be back for the Andalucia Masters in Sotogrande. It remains to be seen if his plans come to fruition.
Justin Rose wants to see Jon Rahm remain Ryder Cup eligible
Jon Rahm's defection to LIV Golf makes it harder for him to qualify for the Ryder Cup. In 2023, no LIV player was selected for Team Europe. They weren't banned from play, but no one was picked or qualified.
Rahm's intention to play events on the DP World Tour might be tied to his desire to be eligible for the Ryder Cup. They'll be key for his qualification to the team for 2025.
Justin Rose, another Team Europe golfer, wants the Spaniard to be able to play. Rose said (via the BBC):
"No matter where the world rankings say he is or the golf that he is competing against, we know what a great player he is."
Rose said that the main point is that European golf should want Rahm on the team, and there should be a way for him to play if he wants to.