European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has reacted after Jon Rahm lodged a last-gasp appeal to the DP World Tour.
LIV star Rahm, who is one of the highest-earning golfers of all time, was a doubt for three upcoming DP World Tour events, which he needed to play to maintain his membership.
The Spaniard has failed to pay fines placed upon him during his debut season with the LIV Golf tour. However, after an appeal was lodged, Rahm will be able to participate in the Spanish Open at the end of September.
As a result, the 29-year-old has kept his chances of making the 2025 Ryder Cup team alive, with his DP World Tour membership intact for now.
Luke Donald shares relief at Jon Rahm DP World Tour decision
Donald, who hopes to lead Europe to their first win in 13 years on American soil, has shared his relief after hearing the news of Rahm’s appeal.
“With everything going on in the world of golf, this gives him some opportunity and time to play his three events that he needs to get to his four to maintain eligibility requirements that the DP World Tour require,” Donald said to journalist Nathan Murphy whilst at this week’s Irish Open.
“I’m super happy he’s decided to do that. Jon is a world-class player, and we’re certainly stronger with him in the team.”
Donald added: “I made a point to go and see him a lot when I was around the tournaments at the majors and obviously swapped many messages with him over the past few months. I’m very happy. It keeps him eligible.
“The last thing I’d want for him is not to be able to fulfil those eligibility requirements and without that, not giving me an opportunity to pick him. This gives us more time to figure out what’s going on in the world of golf, and hopefully, we can all do that.”
Jon Rahm must pay DP World Tour fines if the appeal is unsuccessful
The appeal will mean Rahm’s spot in the Spanish Open is safe. Still, beyond that, his participation in the Andalucia Masters and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship remains up in the air.
Justin Rose has urged Rahm to comply, and the Spaniard should listen to his European Ryder Cup teammate.
Rahm is believed to owe over $1 million in fines, which, when considering the money he’s being offered on LIV, is a drop in the ocean.
The Spaniard should clear his debt, accept the situation and ensure he’s part of Donald’s plans as Europe seek to land what would be a historic win on Long Island.
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