Justin Rose has admitted it is “absolutely feasible” that Jon Rahm will be unavailable for Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup due to his ongoing dispute with the DP World Tour.
The Spanish two-time major winner is currently at loggerheads with the tour over sanctions imposed for his participation in LIV Golf events without the requisite permissions.
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Rahm reportedly faces fines exceeding £2m, a sum he is appealing. This appeal process, which saw delays allowing him to compete in September’s triumphant outing in New York, has intensified.
Rose is hopeful Rahm can find some “common ground” with the tour but recognises there is a reality where the Spaniard does not feature for Europe.
Justin Rose (left) says there is a reality where Jon Rahm (second from right) isn’t available for Europe next year (Getty Images)
“I think it is absolutely feasible,” he told Golf Channel. “I think that the line in the sand has been drawn.
“Quite a few players have committed to the strategy that the DP World Tour has set forward in terms of paying the fines and/or playing some extra tournaments to help bolster their schedule.
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“I think the DP World Tour are willing to work with Jon, so it’s going to take a bit of compromise but I hope we can find that sort of common ground now.
Rahm labelled the situation as “extortionate” earlier this month but Rose understands where the DP World Tour is coming from.
“From my point of view, I think I’ve said I think that the DP World tour stance is reasonable in terms of if you play an event opposite [to] one of their events, you clearly by nature are weakening their tour and their opportunity to go out and create impact in the game of golf,” Rose added. “So therefore, if you want to be a member of the tour, yes, you get a fine.
“I’ve been in that situation too, where I’ve played elsewhere outside of the DP World Tour events, opposite their events, and also been fined.
“I feel like I’m good with the strategy because clearly they’re trying to make their tour as strong as possible which is not an easy task.”
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