GOLF: Jon Rahm commits to rare Scottish Open appearance

Jon Rahm will return to play in the Scottish Open for the first time since 2022, fulfilling an additional tournament requirement that clears the path for his participation in the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Rahm, 31, has been at the center of a dispute with the DP World Tour over his association with LIV Golf. As one of LIV’s brightest stars and highest-paid athletes, Rahm has finished in the top 10 in 31 of his last 32 LIV events, earning an estimated $350 million since leaving the PGA Tour for LIV in 2023.

Recent funding challenges within LIV have prompted some top players to consider returning to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour. However, Rahm has so far remained committed to LIV. Under DP World Tour rules, he must compete in four events to maintain his status and remain eligible for premier competitions such as the Ryder Cup.

Earlier this year, the DP World Tour extended an offer to LIV golfers to allow participation in its events without fines or releases, requiring them to play an additional two tournaments. Rahm and the tour eventually agreed to a compromise: he would need to play just one extra event. His upcoming appearance at the Scottish Open will count as his fifth.

In a statement issued earlier this month, the DP World Tour clarified Rahm’s status:

"The DP World Tour and Jon Rahm have reached an agreement on conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the remainder of the 2026 season. This includes payment of all outstanding fines accrued from 2024 to date, along with participation in agreed DP World Tour tournaments (outside the majors) for the rest of the 2026 season."

Speculation had arisen that the Scottish Open, co-hosted by the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, could affect Rahm’s PGA status. However, GolfMagic reported Tuesday that despite the tournament offering a two-year exemption and 500 FedEx Cup points to the winner, Rahm would remain ineligible for PGA membership even if he wins.

Following a strong performance at the PGA Championship, where he tied for second, Rahm’s return to face some of the world’s best golfers is a highly anticipated moment for fans.

—Field Level Media/Reuters