“I don’t intend to pay the fines,” said an adamant Jon Rahm. Seems irrational? You can say that, for many in the community are confused as to why he doesn’t want to spend a bit of money when he was signed to LIV Golf for a reported $500 million. But that’s not all the reason as to why his stance appears a little unreasonable.

Remember when he joined the Saudi-backed league for the mind-boggling sum, as per the reports? Well, when he did that, the golfer had also signed a contract with the men’s circuit agreeing to some dos and don’ts. And if he actually goes ahead to break those strict rules, then do guess what the penalty would be. Yes… a hefty fine!

Jon Rahm and the LIV Golf rules

“I’m not a big fan of the fines,” said the athlete recently when asked about the penalty put down on him by the European circuit. He also pointed out how “outspoken” he has been surrounding the same. Seems contradictory, and almost double standard-like from Rahm’s side, especially since he will have to pay “two, three, or four times their signing bonus,” if he wants to put an end to the deal or break it.

Couple this with his refusal to adhere to the DP World Tour’s rules of paying the fine for competing in conflicting events, and we get a troubling picture. As per the reports, a LIV Golf Pro who is also part of the European circuit will have to pay a sum of $98,000 (£75,000) per event, if they tee off on a conflicting tournament on the breakaway tour.

The Spaniard, unfortunately, has teed off in a total of 12 events till now. He will also appear in the next two tournaments left in Chicago and Dallas. And, out of the 14 tournaments, 12 of them conflict with the DPWT, causing his fine to sum up to a total of $1.176 million. Seems like a small amount when compared to what he has to pay LIV Golf if he breaks any of their rules! Even if it doesn’t, the question of him being able to be a part of the Ryder Cup should trump above them all, doesn’t it?

Rahm and the Ryder Cup legacy

Jon Rahm isn’t the only one in the LIV Golf league who has been asked to pay the fines to keep their membership. Even the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter, among others, were fined heavily for playing on the breakaway Tour. And as a result, the trio had even gone ahead to resign from the European circuit.

The result? Well, nothing short of a snub from the Ryder Cup selection causing them to be even cast aside for the wild card picks, hurting their legacy in the process. However, down the lane and a week before the biennial event, Rahm’s Spanish colleague, Sergio Garcia took to offering to pay nearly a million dollars, or about $867,000, per reports.

They didn’t, unfortunately, make it into the team in the end. And it would be a lie to say that it didn’t raise doubts about whether the European team would be able to pull it off without the presence of the legends, including the Spaniard. For Garcia boasts the best Ryder Cup stats ever with a figure of 28.5 career points from 10 appearances (25–13–7).

But nothing of that sort happened, and the team led by Luke Donald managed to beat the squad representing the United States of America, 16.5 – 11.5. More importantly, it would be a lie, once again, if it was said that they wouldn’t be able to pull it off again in the absence of the 2023 Masters Champ. For Jon Rahm needs the Ryder Cup more than the event needs the Spaniard. And the skipper’s reaction paints a clear picture.

The situation is up to Rahm, says Luke Donald

“I’ve had many conversations with Jon,” said the skipper while alluding to the whole situation with Rahm. “He absolutely knows what the deal is. He knew when he signed for LIV what the policies were on the DP World Tour.” But then, is he desperate for the golfer’s comeback into the Ryder Cup team? The answer wouldn’t be a resounding ‘Yes’ if that’s what you’re thinking!

“It’s really up to him to do that and become eligible,” divulged the European Ryder Cup captain as he hopefully recounted the LIV golfer’s words. “He was willing to do whatever it took to commit to me and the team. I hope that happens.” Doesn’t seem that desperate, to be honest, especially with the strong line-up he possessed back in 2023, excluding the Spaniard (remember Rory McIlroy raking in four wins at the tourney?).

Doubt naturally remains; why isn’t Jon Rahm being reasonable and paying the fine, or why isn’t he following in the footsteps of his Legion XIII GC teammate Tyrrell Hatton and appealing for a sanction? The latter sure was able to play at the Betfred British Masters owing to the same and if he does appeal, then the Spanish athlete could tee off at the Spanish Open, the Dunhill Links, and the Andalucía Masters as well. Truly a puzzling decision by the 2-time major champ!