A recent report suggests that rebel golfers Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who have recently joined LIV Golf, may meet the criteria to compete at the Ryder Cup in 2025. The duo played pivotal roles in the European team’s victory at the biennial event in 2023. Despite their move to LIV Golf and subsequent ban from the PGA Tour, they have retained their European Tour memberships.
In a recent interview, Guy Kinnings, the CEO of DP World Tour, highlighted the possibility that LIV golfers may still be able to compete at the Ryder Cup if they satisfy the eligibility criteria. Kinnings emphasized that, according to current regulations, European players who maintain membership with the DP World Tour and comply with its rules could still qualify or be considered for selection at the Ryder Cup.
Nevertheless, Kinnings also addressed the issue of sanctions, stressing that penalties will indeed be enforced. He explained that if players adhere to the established rules and guidelines, they may have the opportunity to participate in the Ryder Cup. From Kinnings’ remarks, it is evident that the rules will remain unchanged and will be consistently applied to all members.
For Rahm and Hatton to be eligible for the Ryder Cup in 2025, they must continue to hold their DP World Tour memberships and fulfill the requirement of participating in at least four DP World Tour events. Furthermore, the European Tour has imposed fines on players who have defected to compete on LIV Golf, indicating that Rahm and Hatton may face similar penalties.
Kinnings pointed out that DP World Tour members have had to cover legal expenses as part of the process, and the organization remains unwavering in its position. He emphasized that certain European LIV players did not resign from the DP World Tour, and the level of fines will not be altered. Kunnings reiterated that the rules governing fines and membership will remain firm and unchanged.
It is important to note that the Ryder Cup consists of a 12-member team, with six players automatically qualifying based on points earned through professional events and the captain’s selection of the remaining six players. In the previous Ryder Cup, several DP World Tour players, including Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood, opted to relinquish their memberships to avoid fines and subsequently became ineligible to compete.
In contrast, Brooks Koepka, the lone LIV golfer to participate in the 2023 Ryder Cup, played for the American team, showcasing the significance of membership decisions on players’ eligibility for prestigious events.