Luke Donald shares why LIV Golf star Jon Rahm won’t pay DP World Tour fines as last-gasp appeal lodged

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LIV Golf star Jon Rahm kept his Ryder Cup hopes alive after lodging a last-gasp appeal to the DP World Tour.

The Spaniard must play three DP World Tour events in order to keep his membership and remain eligible for the Bethpage Black event next September.

However, with Rahm reluctant to pay his outstanding fines, the 29-year-old’s participation in the upcoming Spanish Open, Alfred Dunhill Links and Andalucia Masters was thrown into doubt.

Now, after an appeal has been lodged, Rahm will be able to compete, and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is relieved.

The Englishman, speaking after his first round at the Irish Open, has now shared why the 2023 Masters champion is so reluctant to settle up with the DP World Tour.

Luke Donald details conversations with Jon Rahm as DP World Tour appeal lodged

• READ MORE: Jon Rahm says he’s heard ‘rumours’ about what could happen during LIV Golf’s off-season

Donald, talking after Thursday’s play at Royal County Down, revealed Rahm doesn’t agree with being fined for events he wouldn’t usually play in. “Yeah [surprised], I’ve been talking to him, and he has his thoughts, and he doesn’t agree with the fines and paying fines, especially for events that he would never have played on the DP World Tour,” said the European Ryder Cup captain.

“But those rules are the rules, and they were certainly in place when he signed with LIV,” Donald added.

“It wasn’t like they changed the fact. You could argue that they softened them a little bit by being able to appeal the process, and that, from what I understand, gives the players more time for things to work out in the world of golf.”

How much Jon Rahm owes the DP World Tour after LIV Golf move

The DP World Tour set its stall out during the early days of the LIV Golf saga. Players can return as long as any sanctions are settled.

It’s believed Rahm owes over $1 million in fines, which is a drop in the ocean when considering the offer he accepted to join LIV Golf.

Speaking ahead of LIV Golf’s Chicago event, Rahm reaffirmed his position. “I’m not a big fan of the fines,” the Spaniard said. “I think I’ve been outspoken about that. I don’t intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen.”

There’s a growing feeling the 29-year-old should clear his fines and make himself eligible. Padraig Harrington says Rahm must obey DP World Tour rules, and it’s hard to disagree with the European Ryder Cup stalwart at this point.