"DP World Tour Refuses LIV's Offer to Settle Player Fines, According to Report"
Before Jon Rahm contested the penalties the DP World Tour imposed on him for participating in LIV events that clashed with the tour's own tournaments, Sports Illustrated reported Monday that LIV Golf attempted to negotiate a deal.
According to the report, representatives of the Saudi-backed LIV circuit met with the organization formerly known as the European Tour in August. In an effort to eliminate the fines imposed on Rahm and other golfers, LIV suggested "schedule adjustments" to avoid overlapping LIV and DP World Tour events.
LIV also proposed contributing 6 million Euros to DP World Tour purses and creating a special exemption category for DP World Tour players to participate in 10 specific events on the Asian Tour, an official partner of LIV.
A spokesman for the DP World Tour told Sports Illustrated, "We met with them and listened to their proposal but did not accept it, as our view remains that the focus should continue to be on all stakeholders working together to reach an overall solution that benefits our sport."
The main issue for Rahm is his eligibility for the 2025 Ryder Cup. In order to qualify for Team Europe, he must participate in four DP World Tour events in 2024. However, his participation in the Paris Olympics counted as one event, leaving him in need of three more starts.
Rahm was fined for playing in LIV events this year that coincided with DP World Tour events, and these outstanding fines were preventing him from meeting the eligibility requirements.
Instead of paying the fines, Rahm's agent requested an appeal last week. According to tour regulations, Rahm is allowed to participate in the Spanish Open later this month until the appeal is resolved.
Rahm joined LIV Golf in December and secured the league's 2024 individual title on Sunday after winning LIV Chicago, the second-to-last event of the season.
