Jon Rahm, a star player for LIV Golf, has publicly accused the DP World Tour of "extortion." Rahm is critical of the tour's new contract conditions, which require players to participate in a minimum of six events and dictate the location of two of those tournaments.
"I don't like the conditions," Rahm stated. "They're asking me to play a minimum of six events, and they dictate where two of those have to be, amongst other things that I don't agree with."
Rahm, a two-time major winner, emphasized that he has historically been a dual member of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour without ever needing releases for other events. He argues that current demands with penalties for not playing are unwarranted.
He expressed frustration that the tour appears to be leveraging player participation and levying fines to benefit itself. "It just seems like in a way they're using us to - they're using our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer," Rahm said.
Rahm has stated he refuses to play six events, citing that it is not what the rules previously stipulated. This conflict could jeopardize his participation in the 2027 Ryder Cup should he lose his membership due to non-compliance or outstanding fines.