Rahm, a two-time major champion, was absent from a list of eight LIV Golf players granted conditional releases by the DP World Tour last month, after refusing to meet the terms agreed by others.
Those eight players – Tyrrell Hatton, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie – paid fines, committed to additional DP World Tour events and withdrew all appeals as part of the process.
Rahm, who is reportedly facing a US$3 million fine, has once again voiced his opposition to signing an agreement that mandates a minimum of six appearances, including two at designated events.
“I don’t know what game they’re trying to play right now,” he said ahead of LIV Golf Hong Kong, which starts Thursday. “But it just seems like in a way they’re using us to – they’re using our impact in tournaments and fighting us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer, and it’s just in a way they’re extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game.
“So, I don’t like the situation and I’m not going to agree to that.”
Rahm has long argued that he is being punished for missing tournaments he would not have played regardless, noting that he has appeared six times in a single season on the DP World Tour only once in his professional career.
Speaking on Tuesday, Jon Rahm said he had told tour officials he would agree immediately if the requirement was reduced to the four events needed to retain membership. “I’d sign tonight,” he said.
According to the 31-year-old, the DP World Tour was unwilling to compromise, leaving negotiations at a stalemate.
Despite the impasse, Rahm has not ruled out competing in Europe later this season. The Ryder Cup player said he would be open to featuring in post-season events such as the Spanish Open, the Irish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, all of which take place after the LIV Golf calendar concludes.
“I think we should be able to freely play where we want, and have the choice to play where we want, to not be dictated to what we do, although I can’t speak for others,” Rahm said.
“I’ve always committed to play the minimum requirement, and I think I’ve played four events including the Spanish Open every year, except one as a pro, and I commit to do that. That’s not going to change. I still fully intend to do that.”
