DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy challenges Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to pay fines

Rory McIlroy has challenged Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to “prove” their commitment to a European Ryder Cup team by settling their multi-million pound fines from the DP World Tour.

Englishman Hatton and Spain’s Rahm were fined for competing in conflicting LIV Golf events while remaining members of the European Tour.

Both appealed the sanctions in 2024, which allowed them to play in enough events to retain their membership and qualify for last year’s Ryder Cup victory over the United States in New York.

The cases have not yet been heard, so the question of their eligibility is set to return before the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

Asked at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic whether it would be easier if Hatton and Rahm paid the fines, world number two McIlroy told reporters: “Absolutely, yes.

“We got tough with the Americans about getting paid to play the Ryder Cup and we also said we would pay to play in the Ryder Cup. There are two guys who can prove that.”

Each American player received $500,000 (£373,000) from organizers the PGA of America for competing in last year’s rout at Bethpage, making it the first time in the 98-year history of the Ryder Cup that players from both sides have been paid to play.

However, some players said during the event in New York that they would donate their winnings to charity.

While many of the world’s best golfers have been drawn to the LIV, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy has remained loyal to the DP World Tour and the US-based PGA Tour.

“I think any organization or any member organization like this has the right to abide by its own rules and regulations,” the current Masters champion added.

“What the DP World Tour does is adhere to its rules and regulations. We, as members, sign a document at the beginning of each year, which states that you agree to these rules and regulations.

“People who choose to go to LIV know what they’re getting into. So I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”