Rory McIlroy fires huge warning to LIV Golf duo

Rory McIlroy says Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton can demonstrate how much the Ryder Cup means to them by paying their outstanding fines.

Both golfers joined LIV Golf for the 2024 season and, like those before them, were handed heavy fines and suspensions by their home circuit. 

They were permitted to play in the biennial contest at Bethpage Black last September because they lodged an appeal with a sports arbiter. 

But given the precedent that was set in a similar case in May 2023, both players are expected to lose the appeal when it is eventually heard. 

It means that their Ryder Cup futures are very much in doubt as they may be forced with a difficult decision: pay up or relinquish their DP World Tour cards.

LIV Golf's financiers previously paid the fines on behalf of their players but going forward that will no longer be the case. 

Rahm doubled down on his position last month, explaining that he objects to being fined for missing tournaments he never played in. 

The two-time major champion estimates he owes approximately €3m. 

"Look, this is my opinion," McIlroy told reporters ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday

"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. 

"There's two guys that can prove it."

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 are doing is upholding their 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."

Rahm and Hatton have been instrumental in Europe's Ryder Cup success stories since 2018. 

The pair are particularly formidable in the foursomes and remain undefeated in all four matches they have played together. 

Rahm now boasts an overall Ryder Cup record of 9-5-3 whilst Hatton boasts an equally impressive 8-4-3. 

Hatton, who secured the crucial point that meant Europe won the Ryder Cup in New York, contributed three and a half points for Luke Donald's dozen. 

Rahm picked up three points from five matches. 

The 2027 Ryder Cup matches will be played at Adare Manor in Ireland. 

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What has Jon Rahm said about the situation?

Rahm has made it clear he has never had any intention of paying the fines. 

During an appearance on GOLF's Subpar at the turn of the year, the Spaniard conceded he didn't think the situation was going to "magically disappear". 

But he was adamant that he has not played in his final Ryder Cup. 

"The only the one thing that for me about the fines is the tournaments I'm getting fined for playing or not playing I've never played and I will never play right," he said. 

"I never played them when I was on the PGA Tour and I would probably never play them in the future either because it was just not part of the schedule when I would play, right?"

Rahm said he would be happy to pay a sum of money that takes into account the tournaments he would usually participate in. 

But he acknowledged that he should not be treated differently to others. 

"I don't know how the fines are gonna work out," he added. 

What has Tyrrell Hatton said?

Hatton has not spoken too much about the situation. 

The 34-year-old provided a diplomatic answer when pressed for an answer in his news conference before attempting to defend the Dallah Trophy at Emirates Golf Club. 

"I don't have anything to add," said Hatton. "I have always been extremely proud to be a member of the DP World Tour.

"It is pretty hard to make Ryder Cup teams and I have been fortunate to play in the last four. 

"Hopefully I will be able to play more in the future, hopefully the only thing that stops me is age and younger talent taking my spot.

"I don't have an update to give. It's still with legal teams and there’s guys that are still in conversations working it all out. 

"So I haven't put any more thought into that. I don't really know what's happening. I'm just here to play golf, as always."