Jon Rahm has improved his chances of playing in next year’s Ryder Cup by appealing fines imposed on him by the DP World Tour.
The Spaniard had to pay his fines or appeal to be allowed to play the three DP World Tour events he needs to retain his European Tour membership and therefore be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
Rahm, 29, said Wednesday he had “no intention of paying the fines.”
But as the Thursday lunchtime deadline for entries for the Spanish Open, which begins on September 26, approached, he appealed the fines.
A DP World Tour spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Jon Rahm has an appeal pending against the sanctions imposed on him and, in accordance with DP World Tour regulations, he is eligible to compete in the Open de España.”
In contesting the fines, Rahm followed in the footsteps of his Ryder Cup and LIV teammate Tyrrell Hatton, who was able to play in the British Masters earlier in September.
They were among several players fined for playing in Saudi-funded LIV golf tournaments that conflicted with DP World Tour events without seeking permission from the Europe-based circuit.
Players must participate in four DP World Tour events per year to retain their membership, with Rahm’s appearance at the Paris Olympics counting as one.
He also competed in next month’s Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and the Andalucia Masters in Sotogrande, Spain.
The DP World Tour season ends in November.
The Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States will be played at Bethpage Black in New York next September.
Europe captain Luke Donald welcomed news of Rahm’s call-up, who claimed three points in Europe’s 16½-11½ resounding victory at Marco Simone last year.
“I’m very happy to hear he’s made that decision. I know he was a little undecided,” Donald said after completing his first round at the Irish Open.
“I’m very happy that he’s done that to allow him to play and give himself the time he needs to get things sorted out,” the Englishman added, referring to discussions between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund which funds LIV Golf.
These discussions have been ongoing since the organisations signed a “framework agreement” in June last year.
“We’re all very patient right now,” Donald added.
“It’s frustrating for a lot of players to see how slow everything is going. I’ve heard that in the last couple of weeks there’s been a bit more progress.”
