European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald makes Jon Rahm revelation

Luke Donald has revealed Jon Rahm was 'on the fence' about making a last-minute decision to keep alive his hopes of appearing in next year's Ryder Cup. 

Rahm either had to pay his fines for competing in LIV events or appeal against them to be allowed to play three DP World Tour tournaments by the end of the year and retain Ryder Cup eligibility. 

European fans breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday when Rahm confirmed that he had entered the Spanish Open and way eyeing up the Alfred Dunhill Links and Andalucía Masters. 

Related:

• DP World Tour issue Rahm update

But he immediately dropped a bombshell by declaring that he did not intend to pay the fines and wasn't sure about appealing them. 

Rahm decided, just like Tyrrell Hatton, has decided to appeal them. 

More twists and turns could happen, but it now looks likely that Rahm will be part of Donald's dozen at Bethpage Black. 

A DP World Tour spokesperson said: "Jon Rahm has a pending appeal against sanctions imposed on him and in accordance with the DP World Tour's regulations, he is eligible to participate in the Open de Espana."

Rahm was instrumental in Europe's 2018 win at Le Golf National, was a bright spark at a heavy defeat in Wisconsin in 2021 and forged a strong partnership with the aforementioned Hatton in Italy last September.

The news was welcomed by skipper Donald. 

"I'm very happy to hear he made that decision," Donald told BBC Sport. 

"I know he was sitting on the fence a little bit."

He added: "Very glad he's done that to allow him to play and create some time for things to hopefully figure themselves out."

Donald was alluding to the PGA Tour's peace talks with LIV Golf's backers. 

Negotiations continued this week in New York. 

Rory McIlroy told reporters before the Irish Open this week that he had renewed hope a deal will come to pass. 

As is Donald: "We're all being very patient right now. 

"It's been frustrating for a lot of the players to see how slow everything's going. 

"I've heard in the last couple of weeks there's been a little bit more progress."

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be played over 26-28 September.

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