DP World Tour makes Jon Rahm announcement

The DP World Tour have confirmed Jon Rahm has become the latest star player to join the field at the BMW PGA Championship. 

The circuit's flagship event will be played at Wentworth Club in Surrey over 17-20 September. 

Two-time major winner Rahm, 31, will join several of his Ryder Cup teammates in the 144-man field. 

Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre are all teeing it up. 

"I've come close to winning a couple of times at the BMW PGA Championship," said Rahm. 

"So it's definitely a tournament and venue that I enjoy coming back to.

"Everything about it, from the fans to the history of the event, makes it a special week and I would love to go one better and lift the trophy this year."

Rahm boasts an impressive record at Wentworth, with the Spaniard finishing runner-up in 2019 and 2022.

He finished fourth in 2023 and tied for 13th last year.

His appearance at Wentworth comes at a significant time for the 2023 Masters champion. 

Rahm could be playing the Rolex Series event as a free agent.

Telegraph Sport reported last month LIV Golf officials were resigned to losing Rahm.

The 31-year-old has been one of LIV's most prominent players since joining in 2023. 

He won LIV's individual title three years in a row and also captained Legion XIII to team success on two occasions. 

Rahm has also racked up $96,254,882 in on-course earnings. 

His future has become a major talking point in recent months as LIV seeks to secure its long-term future. 

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed in April it would no longer bankroll the venture.

LIV Golf's CEO, Scott O'Neil, announced before their season finale in Indianapolis that a term sheet had been signed with a new investor to take the league forward in 2027 and beyond. 

O'Neil is touting a LIV Golf 2.0, which will feature a trimmed-down, 10-event schedule next year. 

Prize purses are also expected to be reduced. 

He hopes the transaction will be completed later this month but it's understood player buy-in is critical to getting the deal over the line.

LIV players will be offered equity under the new structure. Rahm has not commented on his future plans. 

Unsubstantiated reports suggested last month he was on the verge of striking a deal with the PGA Tour to return to the North American circuit in 2027.

PGA Tour officials claim Rahm has not made an approach, according to Golfweek. 

On Monday, the Financial Times reported LIV Golf could file for bankruptcy protection as early as next week. 

The FT also claim settlement offers have been made to LIV players, like Rahm, who are said to be owed millions of dollars in guaranteed payouts past 2026.

The initial offers are at "just a few cents on the dollar".

Rahm is said to be owed at least $150m. 

Last week, LIV Golf also notified 90 per cent of its employees that their services will no longer be required.