Jon Rahm plans to play Ryder Cup despite looming sanctions

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm is unsure when a third-party arbitrator will hear his appeal against the fine and ban imposed on him by the DP World Tour for participating in the 2024 LIV golf event.

But the former world No. 1 golfer knows one thing: He plans to play for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup against the United States at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York, from Sept. 23-28. Contest.

“I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but I can tell you my plan is to join Team Bethpage,” Rahm told reporters at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Tuesday.

Rahm, a two-time major champion and reigning LIV Golf individual champion, appealed the sanctions against him in September, which allowed him to remain on the DP World Tour to meet at least four Ryder Cup considerations Competition requirements.

British LIV Golf member Tyrrell Hatton and Poland's Adrian Meronk also appealed against the DP World Tour sanctions. The three were disciplined for participating in a LIV Golf event held in conjunction with the European Tour.

It's unclear when the independent panel will hear the golfers' appeal. They remain eligible for DP World Tour events, including this week's championship at Emirates Golf Club, where Rory McIlroy is the defending champion.

DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings told reporters at the DP World Tour Championship in November that his tour would not try to influence when the appeal was heard.

“I don't know what's going to happen and I hope they don't resolve the appeal before the Ryder Cup,” Rahm said. “I don't think it's good for anyone. But my plan is to stay in Bethpage.”

Rahm currently ranks 17th in the European Ryder Cup team standings (275.8), well behind leader McIlroy (792.07).

After the Belfred British Masters ends on August 24, the top six players in points will automatically qualify for the team. Captain Luke Donald will make the six captaincy selections.

Rahm earned three points as Europe beat the United States 16.5 – 11.5 games at the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simeone Golf and Country Club in Rome.

At Bethpage Black, Team Europe will attempt to win on U.S. soil for the first time since 2012.

Rahm said he remains hopeful the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund can reach an agreement to end the deep divide in men's professional golf.

“It's hard to say right now,” Lahm said. “I think a lot of us would say that when the framework agreement was completed a year and a half ago, things are going to be further along now. And it's hard to know what's going on behind the scenes, right? It's all over for people who are much more senior than me. people.

“I don't know what their vision is and what their expectations are for this, right? I think a lot of us would like to reach some kind of resolution together to provide the best product for consumers, and that's what I think We still have the ability to do that.”