Justin Rose made to sweat over DP World Tour release to play in Hong Kong Open
GolfMagic understands Justin Rose has applied for a DP World Tour release to play in the Hong Kong Open, but has not yet been informed of the outcome of his request.
Justin Rose will be made to sweat over competing in the Hong Kong Open this November as the DP World Tour has not yet approved his request of a release to participate in the Asian Tour's International Series event, GolfMagic understands.
It was confirmed yesterday by the Asian Tour that Rose, 44, had committed to play in the Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club from 21-24 November.
The Hong Kong Open is part of the Asian Tour's International Series, LIV Golf's feeder system backed by Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) investment.
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The tournament is one close to the Englishman's heart having won the Hong Kong Open at the same venue in 2015 when it was co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour (formerly known as the European Tour).
"Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart, as does the Hong Kong Open, as when I won at Fanling I was playing some of the best golf of my life," Rose told the Asian Tour.
"I’ve had some great form this year and can’t wait to return. I cannot believe that seven years has slipped by since I was last in Hong Kong.
"I tell people whenever I’m asked that it’s one of my favourite cities in the world; Hong Kong is right up there at the top of the list.
"I have great memories of the tournament and the golf course especially."
After news broke of the 2013 US Open champion's commitment to the 'LIV Golf pathway' event, Rose dropped a tongue-in-cheek response on X / Twitter.
'Justin Rose to play on International Series, the pathway to the LIV Golf League', tweeted Golf Digest Middle East.
Rose, a DP World Tour and PGA Tour member, replied: 'Let’s hope I play well then!!'
That response drew a mixed reaction with fans.
But another interesting development on Rose's participation in the Hong Kong Open has come about since it clashes with the BMW Australian PGA Championship, a co-sanctioned event with the DP World Tour, in the same week.
As it stands, DP World Tour members are sanctioned for playing in these tournaments when they are opposite a DP World Tour event.
So has Rose been granted a release by the DP World Tour to play in the Hong Kong Open?
GolfMagic understands Rose has applied for a release to play in the Hong Kong Open but has not yet been informed of the outcome of his request and a decision will be made by the DP World Tour in due course.
Any breach of member regulations on the DP World Tour will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, GolfMagic also understands.
News of Rose requesting a release to play in an International Series event falls in the same week that Jon Rahm returns to the DP World Tour on home soil at the Open de Espana.
Rahm, 29, was allowed to compete in this week's Open de Espana having appealed his fines on the DP World Tour.
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- Open de Espana R1 / R2 tee times
The same scenario has applied to Rahm's Legion XIII and European Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, who returned to the DP World Tour earlier this month at the British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry.
Hatton will also compete in Spain.
Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Pro-Am earlier this week but his wife Kelley has now given birth to their third child - a first daughter - and he has now touched down in Madrid in time to tee it up in the first round on Thursday.
Both Rahm and Hatton were fined by the DP World Tour for having competed on LIV Golf this season.
Rahm and Hatton's fines are estimated to both be in the region of $1m.
Hatton and Rahm's decision to appeal their fines and return to the DP World Tour is vital for their Ryder Cup hopes.
That is because they need to have played in at least four regular season events outside of the majors in order to maintain their DP World Tour membership and earn eligibility in Luke Donald's 2025 European Ryder Cup team.
Related:
In a latest update on the subject, the appeals process could extend beyond the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black next September.
News also emerged last week the DP World Tour rejected LIV Golf's offer to pay off Rahm and Hatton's fines.
One DP World Tour pro told GolfMagic he was pleased with that decision and that the circuit should 'let them suffer'.
As it stands, Rahm has only played in just one regular season event on the DP World Tour.
That came at the Olympics in Paris where Rahm threw away a four-shot lead heading into the back nine and did not even finish up on the podium.
Rahm will also play at the Dunhill Links and the Andalucia Masters next month, which will ensure he fulfils his four regular events during the DP World Tour season.
Hatton will also tee it up at the Dunhill Links to maintain his membership on the circuit.
Should Rahm and Hatton progress into the top 70 in the DP World Tour Rankings come November, they will be eligible to compete in the DP World Tour Playoffs.
The top 70 will compete in Abu Dhabi, with the top 50 after that then contesting the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Rahm is currently ranked 126th in the DP World Tour Rankings, while Hatton in 94th.
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