LIV Golf has made a surprising announcement that could have far-reaching consequences for the Ryder Cup. The Saudi-backed golf league has confirmed it will no longer pay the DP World Tour fines imposed on its European players for competing in conflicting tournaments.
This change, effective after the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, means that LIV Golf professionals will now be responsible for covering their own penalties if they want to remain eligible for selection in future Ryder Cups.
Major Implications for European Players
European stars such as Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adrian Meronk currently rely on their DP World Tour membership to keep their Ryder Cup hopes alive. Under Tour rules, players must compete in a minimum number of events and settle any fines for unauthorized appearances in non-sanctioned tournaments.
Previously, LIV Golf had quietly paid these fines, allowing its players to maintain eligibility. But with the new policy, failure to pay could see top names disqualified from future Ryder Cups, particularly from 2027 onwards.
Some players have already taken drastic measures. Sergio García resigned from the DP World Tour in 2023, but later rejoined and reportedly paid around £1 million in fines to restore his eligibility. Meanwhile, Rahm and Hatton are appealing their sanctions but have publicly questioned whether paying the fines themselves is fair, with Rahm calling the system “unjust.”
The Ongoing Rift Between Tours
This development highlights the continuing divide between LIV Golf and the traditional tours. Despite some efforts to bridge the gap through exhibitions like “The Showdown,” the tension remains high.
On the American side, LIV players face fewer obstacles. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has already stated that Bryson DeChambeau will be on Team USA for 2025 despite his LIV status, even though he can no longer earn official qualification points.
Looking Ahead
For Team Europe, the situation is more complicated. Captain Luke Donald has said he will always aim to select the best 12 players available, but he has acknowledged that political and administrative factors are beyond his control.
The coming seasons will be critical in determining how this bombshell plays out. Will Rahm and Hatton pay their fines to secure Ryder Cup eligibility? Will the DP World Tour soften its stance under pressure? And could the divide between LIV and the traditional tours reshape team golf for years to come?
Leave a Reply