Rory McIlroy has responded after LIV Golf attempted to strike a deal with the DP World Tour that would have dismissed outstanding fines and sanctions.
Jon Rahm owes the DP World Tour $1 million but has refused to pay his debt at present.
As a result, the Spaniard—along with Tyrrell Hatton—has thrown his 2025 Ryder Cup participation into doubt, with his DP World Tour membership is hanging by a thread.
Rahm has appealed in a bid to ensure he plays three more events to maintain his membership. However, in a fresh twist, LIV Golf made an offer to the DP World Tour.
LIV offered to pay the outstanding fines, but the DP World Tour declined.
Rory McIlroy drops verdict on LIV Golf-DP World Tour twist
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McIlroy has since been asked about LIV Golf’s attempt to strike a deal, and the Northern Irishman has shared what could’ve happened if the DP World Tour had agreed to terms.
“Yeah, you know, if things don’t materialise with the PGA Tour, I think it would — you know, it would — I think it would maybe bring The European Tour back to like the ’80s and ’90s when there was like really two strong tours. But it keeps the game divided and I don’t like that,” McIlroy said ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“You know, I really want the game to come back together. It would be Plan B. It would be maybe an alternative to the best solution. And look, selfishly as a European, it would be wonderful to get that investment and to use that money in the right way for this tour.
“But it still keeps the game divided, which I just can’t quite get on board with, and I’d love to see everything and everyone come back together.”
DP World Tour maintain strong stance amid LIV Golf offer
The DP World Tour, unlike the PGA Tour, has been steadfast in its approach since the emergence of LIV back in 2022.
If LIV players settle their fines and sanctions, they will be welcomed back into DP World Tour events.
Rahm and Hatton are entirely aware of this, and there’s a solid argument to suggest the duo should settle up and make themselves readily available for Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.
However, given the $1 million fine, it feels like the matter isn’t financially motivated. Rahm, in particular, feels his sanctions are unjust, and the Spaniard has dug his heels into the ground.
As the standoff continues, it will be intriguing to see if LIV returns with another offer to entice the DP World Tour into lessening the current restrictions.
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