Tour insider criticises 'entitled' Jon Rahm over Ryder Cup pay row

A DP World Tour insider has claimed one of the reasons why Jon Rahm is refusing to pay fines for competing in conflicting LIV Golf events is because he believes his home circuit is "lucky" to have him in the first place.

Spain's Rahm and England's Tyrrell Hatton have been fined for competing in events on the PIF-backed breakaway whilst remaining members of the Europe-based tour. 

Both golfers appealed against the sanctions which allowed them to play in enough events to retain their membership and be eligible for last September's absorbing 15-13 away victory over the United States. 

The case is yet to be heard some 18 months later and the topic appears to have overshadowed the first two rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in the Middle East. 

World number two Rory McIlroy challenged Rahm and Hatton on the eve of the first Rolex Series event of the year to prove just how much the Ryder Cup means to them by settling up. 

"We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups," McIlroy said. "Well, here's two guys that can prove it."

Hatton played alongside McIlroy during the first two rounds and told reporters they spoke about wines and not fines on the fairways of Emirates Golf Club. 

Rahm is not here this week but a DPWT insider, however, told Telegraph Sport's James Corrigan:

"He is entitled and thinks the DP World Tour is lucky that he wants to play in its events at all". 

Rahm has spoken about the subject at length over the last 12 months. 

He argues that being fined for events he wouldn't have otherwise played - which he only entered because of his LIV obligations - isn't fair to him. 

It is understood the the DP World Tour is in discussions with LIV officials to try and resolve the situation. 

But whether the impasse can be broken remains to be seen. 

It is also important to note it would open a can of worms should Rahm and Hatton be seen to be receiving preferential treatment. 

European Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood were faced with a similar predicament when they decamped to LIV in 2022. 

After a Sports Resolutions panel sided with the Tour, they resigned their memberships. 

Westwood has backed McIlroy, arguing for the hearing to be set for mid February. 

Hatton and Rahm aren't the only players who have appealed their fines. 

Poland's Adrian Meronk, who joined LIV after cruelly missed out on a captain's pick for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy, also told reporters in the Middle East that Rahm is unlikely to change his position. 

"Jon has been clear with his stand from the beginning, and I think he's going to stick to that," he said. 

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed is also racking up fines with the DP World Tour, but is taking a different position to Rahm. 

He is happy to pay by simply playing good golf. 

"[If I] go ahead and win early and that will take care of [the fines]," Reed said. 

"I always felt like the fans have really shown some great support with me over here, and I felt like the Tour has, as well, because of that, I've always come back.

"I love being that one American that comes over and tries to be a thorn in everyone’s side when all the Europeans are out playing. 

"It's fun, it's fun coming over and playing, and hey, if I play like I’m supposed to, that will take care of the fines."