Report: DPWT insider explains what Jon Rahm "doesn't grasp" over messy LIV Golf dispute

A DP World Tour insider says Jon Rahm simply fails to understand he is a member of a tour that is "trying to hurt us". 

Last week, the Spaniard dropped an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the European-based circuit for playing in conflicting LIV Golf events on their schedule. 

Two-time major champion Rahm - who claims he owes $3m - lodged the appeal 18 months ago and the protracted process allowed the 31-year-old to fulfil the requirements for Ryder Cup selection last September at Bethpage.

Once again, Rahm was crucial to Europe's success, with the 2023 Masters winner contributing three points in the 15-13 victory and cultivating a formidable partnership with his LIV teammate Tyrrell Hatton. 

It was understood that his appeal would be heard this May, but the DPWT attempted to resolve the situation by offering a settlement which included a number of conditions. 

Rahm refused to sign the waiver and accused the DPWT at the beginning of March of attempting to extort players. "I don't know what game they're trying to play right now," he said.

The waiver included included an agreement to pay outstanding fines, drop pending appeals and compete in stipulated DPWT events in 2026. 

Eight LIV players, including Hatton, agreed to the terms and will play in both organisations' tournaments. 

But Rahm won't blink, explaining that he would agree to the deal if he was asked to play four events instead of six.

"What Jon doesn't seem to grasp is that, yes, while all our regular members play four minimum, they're not members of a Tour that is trying to hurt us. 

 

"Of course no one needs releases to play PGA Tour events but that's because that's a Tour that is helping us.

 

"We withdrew sanctions from the eight other LIV players but we're never just going to lie down and do that; there had to be 'conditions' attached to us doing that for them – ie: extra events and pay the fines. Which they all agreed to. 

 

"Does he seriously think the rules don't apply to him?"

What has Rahm said?

Rahm spoke about his decision to drop the appeal last week. 

Speaking to reporters during LIV Golf South Africa, Rahm said he was "not asking for much". 

"I don't think it's right that they're requiring people to play more golf than is already required," he said.  

"It doesn't seem like it should be a very difficult decision for them. If they just reduce it to four events, a lot of this gets cleared up."

Rahm said he has never competed in four DPWT events in a season throughout his career. 

“I think the most I played one year was five, and that's for special circumstances. I told them I'm not willing to play [more]."

Rahm added: "We're trying to figure it out, and we're trying our best, but I don't feel like I'm asking for too much. 

"If they just reduce it to four events, a lot of this gets cleared up."

Rahm finished runner-up in Johannesburg, losing to Bryson DeChambeau in a playoff. 

It was the American's second-straight LIV title.