Rory McIlroy said that a “generous” offer to LIV players should not be dismissed, adding that the DP World Tour can only do “so much to accommodate these guys”
Rory McIlroy believes it was unfortunate that Jon Rahm declined the “generous” offer put forward by the DP World Tour, which would have cleared any obstacle to the Spaniard’s Ryder Cup eligibility.
Eight LIV players, including Tyrrell Hatton – a champion alongside McIlroy and Rahm in Rome and New York – accepted the conditions which required them to settle all outstanding fines, withdraw their appeals and pledge to participate in additional tour events.
Rahm turned down the proposal, alleging the DP World Tour was “extorting” players, and will persist with his appeal against the reported £2million-plus penalties he has accumulated from competing in rival tournaments.
“If you asked any DP World Tour member about the deal that they have cut with the LIV guys, I think they would all say that it was pretty generous,” said McIlroy.
“It’s a much softer deal than what Brooks (Koepka) took to come back and play on the PGA Tour.
“There’s a reason that eight of the nine took it because they probably think the same thing and one guy thinks a little differently and that’s a shame. He’s obviously well within his rights to think that way.
“The European (DP World) Tour can only do so much to accommodate these guys.”
Should Rahm’s appeal prove unsuccessful, he would remain liable for the fines, plus additional penalties accumulated as he continues to compete in LIV events without official authorisation. However, if he continues to resist payment, his DP World Tour membership could be jeopardised, potentially affecting his ability to participate in next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
Here, Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to secure three consecutive victories.
“If you want to play on the Ryder Cup you have to be a member of the DP World Tour. You have to abide by the rules and regulations,” McIlroy further explained, stating that being asked to play two events in addition to the four required for membership “isn’t a heavy lift”.
“Look, the Ryder Cup is bigger than any one person. It’s bigger than all of us. We come and go. Players pass through the system.
“I think we should all be grateful that we have a platform like the Ryder Cup that we can play on and that we can showcase our skills and be a part of something that’s obviously way bigger than ourselves.
“At the end of the day it’s about the team and no one player is bigger than the team.”
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