Rahm thinks DP World Tour abandoning Sergio Garcia: 'It hurts me'
After the first LIV Golf Series field was released, it was only a matter of time before the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour would respond.
TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan informed players last month that participating in Greg Norman's Saudi-backed series would result in suspension. While DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley hasn't said the same, the European circuit did announce that fines were given to players who participated in the rival series.
On Sunday, Jon Rahm seemingly suggested LIV player and fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia will be unable to play in upcoming DP World Tour events and the Ryder Cup. The 27-year-old doesn't think that's right.
"I understand the reasons why golfers who play LIV Golf do it, and it's a shame they have to relinquish their status on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour," Rahm told reporters following his final round at the Open on Sunday, according to Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig.
Rahm added: "Sergio knows very well that he has dedicated his life to the European Tour in 25 years as a pro. That they turn their back on him that way doesn't seem right to me. And it is what it is. It's not my decision and that he has to make this decision - it hurts me."
Garcia has been one of Europe's best players in Ryder Cup history. He has played on 10 different teams over the span of 23 years. At the 2018 event, he became Europe's all-time leading points scorer.
Rahm, who played on the 2018 and 2020 teams with Garcia, said he hopes the parties can find a solution.
"Weeks like the JP McManus Pro-Am, which tell you how beautiful this sport is and how it can do, the amount of good it can do in the world ... it's such a beautiful sport that it is a pity there are certain fights between the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf," Rahm said.
Both Rahm and Garcia played in The Open this week at St. Andrews. Rahm finished tied for 34th while Garcia finished tied for 68th.
The TOUR will head to Minnesota next week for the 3M Open before heading to Detroit for the Rocket Mortgage Classic from July 29-31, the same week as LIV's New Jersey stop.