Jon Rahm has suggested that the DP World Tour is “extorting players” and said he would not sign a deal that allows him to play on the circuit and in LIV Golf simultaneously.
Eight players were last month granted releases by the DP World Tour – formerly known as the European Tour – to participate in LIV Golf events this year.
Those names include Tyrrell Hatton, as well as Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie.
It allowed them to retain memberships and stay eligible for Ryder Cup selection, with the waiver including an agreement to pay outstanding fines reportedly in the region of £2.5m.
That accrued amount was levied for playing in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, the withdrawal of all pending appeals and an acceptance to take part in stipulated DP World Tour tournaments.
Rahm has previously said he has “no intention” of paying the financial punishments, and unless an agreement is reached, he may be unable to compete at next year’s Ryder Cup, which takes place at Adare Manor in September.
“I don’t like what [the DP World Tour] are doing currently with the contract they’re having us sign,” Rahm said.
“They’re asking me to play a minimum of six events, and they dictate where two of those have to be, amongst other things that I don’t agree with.
“I did tell them to lower that to four events, like the minimum says, and I’ll sign tonight. They haven’t agreed to that.
“I just refuse to play six events. I don’t want to and that’s not what the rules say.
“I don’t know what game they’re trying to play, but it just seems they’re using our impact in tournaments, fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer.
“They’re extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game, so I don’t like the situation, and I’m not going to agree to that.”
Rory McIlroy previously said Rahm and Hatton should pay their fines and prove their commitment to Team Europe.
His comments came about after the furore of Team America being given money for their appearances at the 2025 tournament in New York.
“That statement would make a lot more sense if all 12 of us were being asked to pay, not only just the two of us,” Rahm said of McIlroy’s comments.
“There’s more intricacy that goes into this whole situation, right.
“While I understand why he’s saying that, we all do it for the love of the game, it’s a different situation than what we usually see.
“I’ll gladly pay my way to go on the Ryder Cup, not have to pay to still be a member of the DP World Tour and fulfil a commitment that I’m fully willing to commit.”