Why has Jon Rahm accused the DP World Tour of extortion?

How To Win Friends And Influence People is a self-help book written by Dale Carnegie 90 years ago. It has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

It is safe to assume that Jon Rahm does not have a copy in his library. In an extraordinary press conference on the eve of LIV’s tournament in Hong Kong, the Spaniard accused the DP World Tour of extortion, making it clear he has no intention of toeing the line.

Eight LIV players have been granted releases by the tour to participate in LIV Golf events this year, allowing them to retain memberships and, crucially, remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.

It included an agreement to pay outstanding fines reportedly in the region of £2.5m levied for playing in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, the withdrawal of all pending appeals and an acceptance to take part in stipulated DP World Tour tournaments.

But Rahm made it clear he had no intention of following suit and believes the tour has overstepped its powers.

This is what he had to say: "I don't know what game they [the DP World Tour] are trying to play right now. But it just seems like in a way they're using us to capitalise on our impact in tournaments and fining us and trying to benefit both ways from what we have to offer.

"And it's just in a way they're extorting players like myself and young players that have nothing to do with the politics of the game.

"Now, I did tell them, funny enough, lower that to four events, like the minimum says, and I'll sign tonight. They haven't agreed to that. I just refuse to play six events. I don't want to, and that's not what the rules say.

"I just don't like the situation. We should be able to freely play where we want and have the choice to play where we want and not be dictated what we do. Especially myself. I can't speak for others, only myself.

"I've always committed to play the minimum requirement [on the DP World Tour], and I think I've played four events, including the Spanish Open, every year except one as a pro, and I commit to do that. That's not going to change. I still fully intend to do that."

He also says that he hopes a compromise can be agreed. Now you can call me old-fashioned if you like, but I have to say that Rahm’s language does not sound especially conciliatory.

To my way of thinking he has well and truly burned his bridges with the Tour. He could have kept his counsel. He could have kept his thoughts to himself while continuing to talk to the DP World Tour behind the scenes. Instead he chose to slam them in the most public of ways. 

I do not know who is advising him but he would have been far better served by keeping his mouth shut.

Rahm will point to the fact that one of the reasons he joined LIV was to reduce his playing schedule. There are 14 LIV events to be played in 2026. Rahm will also be teeing it up in all four majors. That takes his total to 18. He will point to the fact that being forced to play a further six DP World Tour events would take that to 24. When all is said and done, I guess he has to ask himself how important legacy and playing in the Ryder Cup are to him.

As things stand, we will not see him playing in the likes of the Scottish Open, Irish Open or BMW PGA Championship. It also seems inconceivable to me that he will not be in the field for the Spanish Open. 

And there is now surely no way back for him when it comes to the Ryder Cup. I just don’t see how the DP World Tour can move the goalposts again simply to accommodate Rahm.

He is going ahead with his appeal against his fines and suspension - it is what allowed him to compete for Europe in the Ryder Cup last year. This was originally going to be a joint appeal with fellow LIV player Tyrrell Hatton, but the Englishman has now paid his outstanding fines and withdrawn his appeal.

I had hoped that this entire mess would have been cleared up by now but it seems that it all still has some way to run.