Ram accuses DP World Tour of ‘blackmailing players’

Jon Rahm has claimed the DP World Tour is “blackmailing players” as he explained why he is not among a group of LIV Golf competitors who have signed a settlement enabling them to play in the two organisations’ tournaments.

Eight players last month received exemptions from the DP World Tour – formerly known as the European Tour – to participate in LIV golf events this year, allowing them to retain memberships and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.

The waiver included an agreement to pay outstanding fines of approximately £2.5 million imposed for playing in LIV events without permission from the DP World Tour, withdraw all outstanding appeals and accept participation in stipulated DP World Tour tournaments.

Spaniard Rahm, a former world number one and two-time Grand Slam winner, said he “would not agree” to those terms – although he suggested a compromise could be reached if the number of DP tournaments to be played were reduced.

“I don’t know what game they’re trying to play now,” he said.

“But they seem to be using us in some way (to take advantage of) our influence in tournaments and fine us and try to get both ways of what we offer.

“It’s just a way for them to blackmail players like me and young players who have nothing to do with the politics of the game.”

He added: “Now, I’ve told them, funnily enough, cut it down to four events, as the minimum says, and I’ll sign tonight.

“They didn’t agree on that. I just refuse to participate in six tournaments. I don’t want to, and that’s not what the rules say.”

DP World Tour declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.