Rory McIlroy Calls For LIV Golfers To Pay DP World Tour Fines Or Else Sacrifice Ryder Cup Spot

Rory McIlroy has called for LIV golfers to pay their outstanding DP World Tour fines or else sacrifice their eligibility for the Ryder Cup.

This includes McIlroy’s Team Europe Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who have both refused to pay their DP World Tour fines so far.

Rory McIlroy Calls For LIV Golfers To Pay DP World Tour Fines

Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy has called for all LIV golfers who still play on the DP World Tour to pay their outstanding fines in order to keep their Ryder Cup eligibility.

The Northern Irishman spoke to the media after beginning his Dubai Desert Classic preparation on Wednesday, insisting that all LIV stars who still participate in select DP World Tour events throughout the season must pay their fines.

This includes the likes of Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Reed and Tom McKibbin to name but a few LIV players who still partake in DP World Tour events on a regular basis.

The five-time major champion feels that it is only right for players to take their medicine, pay their fines and ‘prove’ their commitment to the Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy thinks Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton should pay $6 million in DP World Tour fines to play in the next Ryder Cup.

One of the biggest stories in golf right now is what will happen to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton’s DP World Tour fines and will they maintain Ryder Cup… pic.twitter.com/ck4KcyA7cs

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) January 21, 2026

McIlroy includes Ryder Cup teammates Rahm and Hatton in this, insisting they should pay the outstanding $6million ($3m each) in fines they owe to the DP World Tour and continue to be eligible for future Ryder Cup’s:

“Yeah, absolutely. Main thing is – look, this is my opinion. We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There’s two guys [Rahm and Hatton] that can prove it. Great. I think that’s — yeah.”

McIlroy’s statement might rub some people up the wrong way, but his message is clear. Players who went to LIV knew the possible consequences of their actions, and must abide by the rules and pay any fines imposed on them due to their decision.

The 36-year-old feels nobody is an exception to this rule, including his Ryder Cup teammates and good friends.

Rory McIlroy weighs in on whether Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton should have to pay to play in the next Ryder Cup.

(via @DPWorldTour) pic.twitter.com/KF8IBktzuK

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) January 21, 2026

McIlroy Makes No Exceptions For Ryder Cup Teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton

Rory McIlroy gave a brutally honest assessment of Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return after leaving LIV to come back to golf’s premium tour.

The reigning Masters champion once again gave an honest assessment on a similar topic, this time surrounding Ryder Cup teammates John Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton paying the $6m fines imposed on them from the DP World Tour.

Both Rahm and Hatton owe $3m in DP World Tour fines each for joining LIV Golf whilst continuing to play on the European Tour. As of yet, neither man has paid their fines and are currently undergoing legal matters.

Tyrrell Hatton says he still doesn’t know what’s happening with his DP World Tour fines for playing on LIV Golf. Speaking ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, he said:

“To be honest I don't have an update to give. It's still with legal teams and there's guys that are still in… https://t.co/rb1mlNIxiI pic.twitter.com/cg4seT0jJs

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) January 21, 2026

Hatton spoke to the media ahead of the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic, revealing that he has no update on the situation and hasn’t put any further thought into it of late:

“To be honest I don’t have an update to give. It’s still with legal teams and there’s guys that are still in conversations working it all out.

“So I haven’t put any more thought into that. Like I don’t really know what’s happening. So, yeah, I’m just here to play golf as always,” concluded Hatton.

It remains to be seen what exactly happens regarding the DP World Tour fines and whether or not the likes of Rahm and Hatton remain eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.