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 compete on the DP World Tour.
Jon Rahm’s the first event of 2024 could well take place far from its new home, LIVGolf, with the Mastery champion still eligible to compete in the DP World Tour.
Rahm became LIV’s biggest coup last month, to sign an agreement worth £450 million with Greg Normand and co. In doing so, the Spaniard followed in the footsteps of figures like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson And Brooks Koepka by being suspended by the PGA Tour.
That means Rahm is unable to defend his title at the PGA Tour’s season-opening Sentry tournament, which begins later this week.
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Despite his ban from the PGA Tour, however, the Spaniard is still able to compete on the DP World Tour. As it stands, the Wentworth-based circuit is unable to fully suspend players who have defected to the Saudi-backed league, but can impose fines and bans on members who participate at LIV events.
A number of names from the Separatist League, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood And Sergio Garcia – have since chosen to renounce their Tour membership due to the sanctions imposed. Rahm still remains a DP World Tour player, however, and with the LIV campaign only starting in February, his season could well begin at the Wentworth-based circuit.
The DP World Tour season begins with a tour around the Middle East, with the opening event taking place next week at the Dubai Invitational. Although the entry list for this event has been submitted, Rahm could still theoretically compete in the Dubai Desert Championship a week later alongside some of his Ryder Cup teammates.
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The Emirates Golf Club event is one of the biggest on the DP World Tour calendar and one of five that make up the tour’s Rolex Series. Ahead of the entry list being released later this week, many big names have already committed to taking part in the event.
Defending champion, three-time champion Rory McIlroy headlines, and he will also be joined by his European teammates Tommy Fleetwood And Tyrrell Hattonas well as their Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Open champion Brian Harman is also in the field.
A week later, the Ras Al Khaimah Championship will take place at Al Hamra Golf Club, giving Rahm another opportunity to prepare for his first season on the LIV Tour. Speaking following his Saudi switch last month, the two-time major winner admitted he would still like to play on all three LIVs, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with the framework deal looming.
“I want to maintain my PGA Tour and DP World Tour status,” he said in December. “I won’t give up on this. I hope that with the freedom LIV gives me, I can play on these two tours. There are certain PGA Tour events that I want to play for as long as my schedule allows .If possible, I want this to happen.”
