Golf insider claims DP World Tour provided Jon Rahm a ‘loophole’ to avoid paying fines following switch to LIV Golf

A Golf insider has claimed that a DP World Tour leader advised Jon Rahm a loophole to avoid paying fines and getting a chance to play again.

Golf insider claims DP World Tour provided Jon Rahm a ‘loophole’ to avoid paying fines following switch to LIV Golf

Jon Rahm (Image via Imago)

The world of golf received a major shock in December 2023 when Jon Rahm left the PGA Tour. The 2023 Masters champion dumped the tour and joined LIV Golf on a massive $600 million deal.

At that time, several fines and sanctions were placed on him. A golf insider has now claimed that the DP World Tour provided him with a ‘loophole’ to avoid paying the fines.

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As a Spanish international, Rahm was also a member of the DP World Tour. His move to LIV Golf meant that just like others who left the European Tour, he would face fines. Rahm had openly expressed that he will not be paying any fines. As a result of this, he remained suspended.

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The two-time major found himself on the edge of losing his DP World Tour membership. A member of the European Tour has to play in at least four events to maintain their status for another year.

Since Rahm had not paid the fines, he was not allowed to play. However, he would later appeal these fines against him, which opened the gate for him to play in DP World Tour events this year. He took part in four events and has maintained his membership.

Golf insider Tom Hobbs has now claimed that leadership of the DP World Tour advised him to appeal the fines and use this loophole. He dropped this claim on his X account flushingitgolf.

LIV players who are members/ex members of the DP World Tour, have been given no clarity about what future sanctions will be. I’ve spoken to several of them in different situations, who all said the same thing. The DP World Tour leadership even told Jon Rahm’s team to appeal his sanctions as a loophole around paying the fines.

Tom Hobbs wrote on X

Recently the DP World Tour reinstated the membership of several LIV Golfers. Rahm was among one of them who saw himself being cleared to return to the European Tour.

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Jon Rahm set to make his debut at Hero Dubai Desert Classic in 2025

Jon Rahm is set to make his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic next year. Before this, he had never taken part in this prestigious event that takes place in Dubai.

Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm (Image via Imago)

On previous occasions, Rahm started his year by appearing at the PGA Tour events. With him being banned from the tour due to this move to LIV Golf, Rahm will have the chance to take part in this tournament in January 2025.

This event could help him also earn some prestigious Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) points. As LIV Golf does not receive them, the rankings of their players is affected.

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Another headline name in this tournament is Rahm’s Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman won the event last year and has confirmed that he will enter the event this year to defend his title.