DP World Tour fines for LIV Golf players is big talking point in Dubai

Speaking in the UAE on Wednesday, Rory McIlroy spoke about how he felt the duo should cough up for punishments handed out to them for playing in LIV Golf events without an official release.

By appealing against the fines, Rahm and Hatton were both eligible to play in last year’s Ryder Cup and need to remain DP World Tour members to keep representing Europe in the biennial contest.

“Yeah, absolutely,” declared McIlroy, the world No 2, in reply to being asked if it would be easier if Rahm and Hatton accepted their punishment. “Look, this is my opinion. We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup (as was the case for the first time at Bethpage Black last year), and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There's two guys that can prove it.”

Responding to that on social media, former world No 1 Lee Westwood, who lost out on a Ryder Cup captaincy through signing for LIV Golf, claimed the “easy solution” was for the DP World Tour was to set a date for an appeal by Rahm and Hatton “instead of the kicking of the can”.

McIlroy and Hatton played together in the opening round at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, with Hatton being asked if McIlroy’s remarks had been mentioned.

“Not really, no,” insisted the defending champion. “We didn't really talk about that. It was me mainly asking if he had any good wine over Christmas, to be honest.”

Pressed again on McIlroy’s comments, Hatton added: “Yeah, I ended up seeing what was said. And he said that's his opinion. So everyone's allowed an opinion. I've got nothing more to add to that.”

He did, though, as further questions were asked by a group of reporters. “Well, I guess something will get sorted from -- hopefully, something soon. I think everyone is pretty keen for that to happen.”

‘Obviously we don’t want to pay’

Can that happen without the matter going to arbitration or whatever it is? “I don't know,” said Hatton. “Like I said yesterday, legal teams on both sides would figure it out. I've not asked any more questions than that.”

Adrien Meronk, another LIV Golf player competing in this week’s DP World Tour Rolex Series event in the UAE, also spoke about the fine situation after his opening round on Thursday.

“Obviously we don't want to pay it, but, as things stand now, I know there is some discussion being made behind the scenes,” revealed the Pole. “I know Jon has been clear with his stand from the beginning, and I think he's going to stick to that.”