Justin Rose has called on Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm to settle his DP World Tour fines but admits there is some “middle ground” to be found over the ongoing issue about his Team Europe future.
Rahm accused the DP World Tour last month of “extorting players” after refusing to sign the agreement, which would have seen him granted permission to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf without financial penalty by following a series of conditions.
Eight DP World Tour members accepted the offer to retain their membership status, including LIV Golf team-mate Tyrrell Hatton, with conditions including paying outstanding fines in full for breaching the DP World Tour’s regulations and withdrawing all pending appeals.
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Paul McGinley predicts Jon Rahm and the DP World Tour will come to an agreement to enable the two-time major champion to play at Adare Manor following a dispute about membership conditions
Rory McIlroy admitted earlier this month it was a shame Rahm did not take the “generous” deal, which also leaves players having to participate in additional stipulated DP World Tour tournaments, while Rose would also like to see the Spaniard’s situation resolved to ensure his Ryder Cup eligibility .
“Obviously eight did it [accepted the terms] and Jon didn’t, so there’s pretty decent precedent that the deal wasn’t outrageous that they were proposing,” Rose said in his pre-tournament press conference ahead of The Players.
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Jamie Weir looks at Rahm’s comments on his frustrations with the DP World Tour
“At the same time, I would like to see Jon pay his fines for sure and be a part of the Ryder Cup. For me, obviously playing on LIV was a decision that he made and wanted to make, and fair play to him for making it and good for him.
“He’s playing good golf out there. He’s winning. He’s making a lot of money. You can’t argue, can’t knock what he’s been able to achieve out there, so I would just see it as a cost of doing business for Jon.
“For me, being in the Ryder Cup is more than about money. What I would say, where he may have a point is the Tour making him play extra events. Maybe he has a point there.
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Rahm explained his reasons for rejecting the DP World Tour deal and the possible next steps
“So maybe there’s some middle ground where he would do his best to support the Tour as and when, but not necessarily have that hung over his head. Paying his fines is obviously step number one.”
‘Donald’s decision to make’ – Rose reveals Ryder Cup captaincy talks
Rose also revealed he had discussions over the possibility of becoming Team Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain, ahead of Luke Donald being confirmed to take a historic third stint in the role.
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Luke Donald spoke to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast and confirmed he will captain Europe’s Ryder Cup team for a historic third time
Donald will become the first golfer since Bernard Gallacher to lead Europe into three consecutive Ryder Cups, with Rose – who featured in the 2023 success in Rome and the 2025 victory in New York – targeting further appearances as a player.
“I think, first and foremost, it was always Luke’s decision to make before it was anybody else’s decision to make,” Rose added.
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Jamie Weir explains why Donald has been chosen as captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team for a third time
“Yeah, they [DP World Tour] sounded me out to see where my thinking was. I think it was always going to be – Luke’s done such an incredible job the last three or four years, however long he was in his position, he gets first call, which I think is absolutely right.
“I think from my point of view, it might have been good timing, but I think also at the same time I still believe that I can play in another one or two or more – let’s see, who knows.
“I don’t really want to put a time limit on it. Certainly the next one I would love to have a crack at, for sure, as a player.
“That’s been the advice from all the captains and vice-captains and players that I played with through the years on Team Europe. They’re like ‘nothing trumps playing’, so that’s always going to be the ultimate goal.
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Donald discusses what it means to lead Europe at the Ryder Cup for a third consecutive edition
“It’s Luke’s decision and I’m glad he’s doing it. What he’s brought to the captaincy is big shoes to fill from that point of view and obviously the next guy that takes on that responsibility, it’s pretty much a full-time job.
“To do it justice, you want to be ready and give it everything.”
Can Justin Rose win The Players? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the opening round begins on Thursday from 11.30am on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
