The Ryder Cup is always a hot topic in the golf world, with many questions about what to expect from the European and US teams in the future. Fans have diverse predictions, but it seems most are leaning towards a home victory for the US team at Bethpage Black next year. One of the notable names expected to play is Jon Rahm, the Spanish golfer. However, Rahm must participate in at least four DP World Tour events to qualify, a requirement that also comes with fines. Rahm has expressed reluctance to pay these fines.
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Many golf experts have weighed in on Rahm's situation, including Irish veteran Padraig Harrington. Harrington emphasized the importance of following the rules, stating that Rahm, like everyone else, should adhere to the existing regulations. He views the Ryder Cup as a huge competition and expects all participants to respect both the Ryder Cup and the European Tour's rules.
Harrington is addressing the idea that some people might believe the Ryder Cup should consist only of European-born players competing against US-born players. However, he argues that the European Tour, which is closely tied to the Ryder Cup, needs to maintain strong participation rules.
Harrington is emphasizing that the European Tour faces a challenging situation, particularly regarding the Ryder Cup and its captain, Luke Donald. He acknowledges that there's a strong desire to assemble the best possible team to increase the chances of winning. This means making tough decisions to ensure that the team is as competitive as possible.
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The captain of the European team would have preferred to have the best players available, but the entrance of LIV Golf has complicated these plans. The inclusion of players backed by Saudi Arabia's LIV Golf has created challenges. Despite these difficulties, the Europeans managed to achieve a significant victory.
The Irish golfer acknowledges the difficulty in making a rational decision about which side to support. He wants to see Jon Rahm play in the Ryder Cup and help the European team, but he is also aware that Rahm is breaking the rules and should face penalties. Harrington emphasizes the need to consider the golfer who would take Rahm's place if he doesn't participate. He points out that Rahm's potential appearance in the Ryder Cup could frustrate a player who has likely adhered to the rules and followed the proper procedures.
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A spokesperson for the DP World Tour reacted
For those who may not know, Jon Rahm has appealed against significant fines imposed by the DP World Tour, which likely means he wont be able to compete at Bethpage Black next year. The Spanish golfer has expressed that he is unwilling to pay these fines, which could result in him watching the European team from home rather than participating himself.
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Rahm was a key player in the teams impressive victory over the US team in Rome last year.
A spokesperson for the DP World Tour mentioned in a CNN interview, "Jon Rahm has a pending appeal against sanctions imposed on him, and according to the DP World Tours regulations, he is eligible to participate in the Acciona Open de Espaa presented by Madrid later this month."
A few days ago, Rahm pointed out once again that he does not want to pay fines.
