Ryder Cup: Jon Rahm wants to appeal fines to play LIV tournament delayed until after 2025 event | Golf News

Jon Rahm hopes his appeal of fines imposed for playing LIV events will not be heard before the Ryder Cup.

Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk have all appealed financial sanctions imposed for bidding without a Saudi-funded breakaway license.

That means they are allowed to play enough DP World Tour events to keep their membership and qualify for September's Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

No date or deadline has been set for the appeal, which led to two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell suggesting last year that it would not “conveniently” take place until after Europe had pulled out for a first win on US soil since 2012 .

“I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but I can tell you that my plan is to be on that team in Bethpage,” Rahm said at a press conference ahead of his debut appearance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, live on Sky Sports from Thursday.

Pressed on whether he would pay the fines if the appeal fails, Rahm added: “I don't know what's going to happen and I hope they don't try to settle the appeal before the Ryder Cup.

“I don't think that would be good for anyone.”

Rahm: The golf deal could take the sport to a different level

Players who originally joined LIV in June 2022 appealed their suspensions and fines and were able to compete until April 2023, when an arbitration panel ruled in favor of the DP World Tour and ratified its right to conduct its regulations.

Two months later, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which funds LIV Golf – announced they had signed a “framework agreement” aimed at ending golf's civil war.

Since then, talks have continued and Rahm admitted that he expected a solution to be closer than it seems so far.

“I think a lot of us would say that when that framework agreement was made over a year and a half ago, things will go further at this point,” the two-time major winner said.

“And it's really hard to know what's going on behind closed doors. It depends on people who are much taller than me.

“I don't know what their vision is or what they expect from it. But I think we're living in a golden era of golf right now where the possibilities are endless.

“The big tour in Europe and around the world and the big tour, the PGA Tour, and you have another big product with LIV and now you're even adding TGL. When it comes to golf, the options are here.

“I think with the right minds you can end up with a product, and I've said this all along, that could put golf on a different level in the world of sports. I still hope that happens.”

Rahm also reiterated his support for Spain's Sergio Garcia, who has paid significant fines and rejoined the DP World Tour as he seeks a European-record 11th Ryder Cup appearance.

“People who see him every day, Sergio Garcia can do better than anybody on the planet,” Rahm said. “It's that simple. It's still so good and still very valuable.

“I understand the change of circumstances. I understand. But at the end of the day, being Spanish and a friend and mentor, I'm obviously going to be biased towards him. And I would like to see him in that team. room.

“I think there will always be room for Sergio in the Ryder Cup. It's just a matter of letting the clubs talk.”

How can I watch golf on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports will have extended coverage of all four rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with featured groups live from 4am each morning Sky Sports Golf and bringing the bonus action before the main action.

Full coverage begins at 7.30am on Thursday and Friday before a 7am start over the weekend, with all four rounds of the PGA Tour American Express and Latin America Amateur Championship also broadcast on Sky Sports.

Stream DP world tour, major items and more from NOW.