Jon Rahm‘s inclusion in the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup has been a topic of discussion in the golf community. The 29-year-old followed all the available channels to ensure that he can participate in the Ryder Cup this year.

But despite him abiding by the rules, reports have emerged saying that he may not be eligible to represent his team in the Ryder Cup after all. An insider from the world of golf recently shared his views on why Jon Rahm is facing such difficulties. Let’s see what he had to say.

Sports Illustrated writer discusses the situation

Bob Haring, the senior golf writer at Sports Illustrated sat down for a candid interview in the Flushing It Golf podcast. He was discussing how players are restricted from participating in the PGA Tour and LIV Golf events at the same time. He explained how it should not affect players who have never been involved in the PGA Tour at all. And if the same player wants to join the PGA Tour after featuring in a few LIV Golf events, then Monahan and co. should also welcome them instead of pushing them away.

He went on to say that things do not change for the DP World Tour as they are still allowing players to participate in the European events. He explained how the minimum requirement of 4 DP World Tour events along with 4 majors and other LIV Golf events is quite manageable. However, the DP World Tour officials are still a bit hesitant about the setup as they are still reliant on the USA-based promotion to sponsor their own events. Bob said, “The (PGA) Tour is helping fund DP World Tour events. And I don’t think the DP World Tour wants to jeopardize that arrangement.”

The host went on to say that the PGA Tour provides “significant amounts of money” as observed in the “DP World Tour accounts” that were released in 2023. Considering the investment, the host said that the DP World Tour “definitely can’t afford to upset the PGA Tour” at the moment. Bob went on to add that the two leagues “have a contract. They have a deal,” which the DP World Tour officials don’t want to breach. He said, “It is a significant amount. They basically guaranteed them purse increases with percentage increase every year,” all this on top of the funds they earn from the contract. Bob explained how these terms remain even if the DP World Tour loses a sponsor or an event as the PGA will still lend them the money that the former can use elsewhere.

As Bob confirmed, the DP World Tour will receive a guaranteed amount during the term of their contract with the PGA Tour. The contract ends somewhere around 2027 or 2028. Bob elaborated on how the DP World Tour is not as profitable and all the funds they receive from the biannual Ryder Cup event have also not been enough to cover them. The senior writer also said that if they do choose to support LIV Golf, then all their financial troubles will be resolved. However, the DP World Tour has actively chosen not to act on these opportunities.

How does this all affect Jon Rahm? Let’s explore the challenges faced by the LIV Golf Pro due to this issue.

The Jon Rahm story

Refusing to receive support from LIV Golf means that the DP World Tour has kept them at arm’s length. Players like Jon Rahm and others have faced the consequences of the same as they are being made to pay fines and abide by the regulations to actually be able to play in the Ryder Cup. With a minimum requirement of 4 DP World Tour events, LIV Golf players face a hectic schedule that hinders their success on the course.

Apart from the 8 events already mentioned, the players also participate in 14 LIV Golf events per season. That’s a total of 22 tournaments a year. And if the PGA Tour/PIF merger goes through, then the schedule will get even worse for these pros.

What do you think of the hectic season for LIV Golf players? Do you think the rules are justified or do you believe that the DP World Tour should offer more relief to the LIV Golf players? Let us know in the comments section.