Jon Rahm became the latest big name to sign with LIV Golf last month, and despite losing his PGA Tour playing rights, he could still tee it up on the DP World Tour
Jon Rahm’s first event of 2024 could well be away from his new home, LIV Golf, with the Masters champion still eligible to compete on the DP World Tour.
Last month, Rahm signed a contract with Greg Norman and company worth an estimated £450 million, making him LIV’s biggest coup to date. By doing this, the Spaniard became the latest player to receive a suspension from the PGA Tour, joining the ranks of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka.
As a result, Rahm will not be able to defend his title at the Sentry Tournament, which kicks off the PGA Tour season later this week.
The Spaniard can still compete on the DP World Tour, despite being banned from the PGA Tour. Currently, the Wentworth-based circuit has the authority to fine and ban members who participate in LIV events, but it is unable to completely suspend players for switching to the Saudi-backed league.
Due to the penalties imposed, several of the breakaway league’s well-known players, such as Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter, have since chosen to resign from the Tour. Rahm, though, is still a member of the DP World Tour, and since LIV’s season doesn’t start until February, he might begin the year on the Wentworth circuit.
The Dubai Invitational, which takes place next week, will serve as the opening event of the DP World Tour’s Middle East swing. Rahm and a few of his Ryder Cup teammates may still enter the Dubai Desert Championship one week after the entry list for this event is submitted.
One of the biggest events on the DP World Tour schedule, the Emirates Golf Club event is one of five that make up the Rolex Series on the circuit. Numerous well-known figures have already committed to compete in the event before the entry list is made public later this week.
The main attraction is none other than three-time champion and defending champion Rory McIlroy, who will be accompanied by Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton from Europe. Brian Harman, the Open champion, is also in the field.
The Ras Al Khaimah Championship, which will be held at Al Hamra Golf Club a week later, will provide Rahm with one more chance to prepare for his first season on the LIV circuit. Speaking following his move to Saudi Arabia last month, the two-time major winner acknowledged that, with the framework agreement approaching, he would still like to play on all three LIV tours: the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the LIV.
In December, he declared, “I do want to maintain my status on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.” “I’m not going to give that up. With the freedom LIV provides, hopefully, I’ll be able to play both of those tours. If my schedule permits, there are specific PGA Tour events that I would like to participate in. If it’s feasible, I would like to see that through.
