Jon Rahm provides update on DP World Tour fines: "It sounds positive"

Jon Rahm has indicated progress is being made over his situation with the DP World Tour. 

Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have been fined for competing in conflicting LIV Golf events while remaining members of the European-based tour. 

The Spaniard and Englishman appealed against the sanctions in 2024, with both explaining they have no intention of paying up. 

Their case is yet to be heard and the delay in proceedings - which critics say has been deliberate - allowed both to compete in the Ryder Cup. 

Both players were instrumental in Europe's stunning 15-13 away victory in September over the United States at Bethpage Black. 

Rahm and Hatton are expected to lose their appeal given the precedent that was set in 2023 when Sports Resolutions UK ruled in favour of the DPWT. 

In that scenario, they would both be expected to pay up to be eligible to represent Europe when the Ryder Cup matches head to Ireland in 2027.

Last week, though, FlushingIt reported the DPWT were planning on dropping the fines issued to players in 2026. 

The report stated that all fines up to 2025 would need to be settled. Rahm has said he owes more than $3m. 

Speaking ahead of LIV Golf's curtain-raiser in Riyadh, Rahm told reporters he "doesn't know too much about the matter". 

But he indicated progress is being made. 

"I don't know what the negotiations look like," he said. "Obviously they're going to players individually to make different deals.

"I don't know what it may be or what it's going to look like, but I'm happy to see that [they are] looking for a path forward for LIV players to be able to play on both tours and not to get penalised.

"I think the example of players like Tom [McKibbin] or David Puig, who is now a winner on the European Tour, who just chose the best path possible as young players, shouldn't be penalised because of the politics of the game.

"The fact that they're looking at a positive way to figure it out, I think it's only good for us, and I think it's good for the DP World Tour, as well."

Hatton was also asked about the topic. 

He said: "It sounds positive, so if things are moving in the right direction, that's good for golf. 

"Yeah, we'll let other people figure that out, and we'll just focus on playing golf this week."

One man who will be closely monitoring the situation is Rory McIlroy. 

Two weeks ago, the reigning Masters champion urged Rahm and Hatton to prove their commitment to Europe's Ryder Cup team by settling their fines.

McIlroy explained before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic that European golfers "went really hard on the Americans" about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. 

"We also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups," McIlroy said. "There are two guys that can prove it."

American players each received $500,000 (£373,000) from the PGA of America to compete in last year's Ryder Cup. 

Of that sum, $300,000 went directly to charitable causes. 

Several players said they would be donating the entire sum.

McIlroy added: "I think any organisation or any members' organisation like this has a right to uphold its rules and regulations.

"What the DP World Tour is doing is upholding its rules and regulations. We, as members, sign a document at the start of every year, which has you agree to these rules and regulations.

"The people that made the option to go to LIV knew what they were. So I don't see what's wrong with that."

Addressing the latest reports, a DPWT spokesperson told bunkered: "We continue to have dialogue with individual members involved to explore and discuss options."