Justin Rose admits Jon Rahm could miss Ryder Cup over DP World Tour fines
Justin Rose has warned it is highly possible that Jon Rahm will be unavailable for Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup due to an ongoing dispute over LIV Golf sanctions.
Rahm faces multi-million pound fines
The Spanish two-time major winner is currently at loggerheads with the DP World Tour and is appealing financial penalties reportedly exceeding £2m.
These sanctions were imposed after the former world number one participated in unauthorised events on the Saudi-backed circuit without securing the requisite permissions.
Rahm recently labelled the penalties as extortionate, but his ongoing appeal process has at least allowed him to continue competing on the European circuit in the short term.
“I think it is absolutely feasible. I think that the line in the sand has been drawn.”
Rose told the Golf Channel when asked if there is a genuine reality where Europe competes without their talismanic star.
Compromise required for New York
The 44-year-old Englishman remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached before Luke Donald’s team defends the trophy at Bethpage Black next September.
Several other players who defected from the traditional ecosystem have already committed to paying their fines or playing extra tournaments to bolster their schedules.
“I think the DP World Tour are willing to work with Jon, so it’s going to take a bit of compromise but I hope we can find that sort of common ground now.”
Tour strategy deemed reasonable
Despite his eagerness to see his Ryder Cup teammate involved, Rose understands why the governing body has taken such a hardline approach.
“From my point of view, I think that the DP World Tour stance is reasonable in terms of if you play an event opposite to one of their events, you clearly by nature are weakening their tour.”
The 2013 US Open champion admitted he has personally been fined in the past for competing elsewhere on conflicting dates.
“I feel like I’m good with the strategy because clearly they’re trying to make their tour as strong as possible, which is not an easy task.”
