Trending Now - Rahm Supports LIV Players Stranded Amid Tour Tensions

WHO:

Jon Rahm, LIV Golf League captain and two-time major champion

DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour)

Rory McIlroy, professional golfer

Eight players granted releases by the DP World Tour: Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie

Caleb Surratt, LIV golfer

Anirban Lahiri, LIV golfer

Lee Westwood, LIV golfer

Sam Horsfield, LIV golfer

U.S. State Department

WHAT:

Rahm accused the DP World Tour of "extorting" players by requiring them to play six events, two of which the tour would dictate.

Rahm stated he would agree to play four events but not six.

The DP World Tour imposed fines reportedly between $2 million and $3 million on Rahm for not obtaining releases to play in LIV events.

Eight players agreed to pay outstanding fines, participate in more tournaments than the minimum required, and withdraw pending appeals to retain their memberships.

Rahm's participation in the 2027 Ryder Cup is in jeopardy due to his refusal to accept the DP World Tour's terms.

LIV Golf players experienced travel difficulties due to conflict in the Middle East, with several stranded in Dubai.

Rahm arranged a private jet to transport stranded LIV golfers from Oman to Hong Kong.

WHERE:

Hong Kong (upcoming LIV Golf tournament)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (where golfers were stranded)

Oman (location for the charter flight arranged by Rahm)

Bethpage Black Course, New York (site of the 2025 Ryder Cup)

Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland (site of the 2027 Ryder Cup)

WHEN:

Rahm made his statements on March 3, 2026, ahead of the LIV Golf tournament in Hong Kong.

The DP World Tour granted conditional releases on February 21, 2026.

The Ryder Cup took place on September 28, 2025.

The U.S. State Department issued a warning on March 6, 2026.

WHY:

Rahm believes the DP World Tour's conditions are unfair and restrict players' freedom to choose where to compete.

The DP World Tour aims to retain its members and ensure compliance with its regulations.

HOW:

Rahm expressed his refusal to agree to the DP World Tour's terms during a press conference.

He utilized his partnership with VistaJet to arrange a charter flight for stranded golfers.

Jon Rahm, the LIV Golf League captain and two-time major champion, recently accused the DP World Tour of extorting players by mandating participation in six events, leading to fines of up to $3 million for not obtaining releases to play in LIV tournaments. In a press conference on March 3, Rahm stated he would only agree to play four events and arranged a private jet to help stranded LIV golfers in Dubai reach Hong Kong amid travel difficulties caused by conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, eight players have agreed to pay their fines and participate in additional tournaments to retain their memberships, but Rahm's refusal to comply with the DP World Tour's terms could jeopardize his participation in the 2027 Ryder Cup.