Jon Rahm will return to the Scottish Open in July 2026, marking his first appearance at the event since 2022, to fulfill a tournament requirement linked to his Ryder Cup 2027 eligibility [1, 2, 3]. The Scottish Open, co-hosted by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, will count as Rahm’s fifth DP World Tour event in the 2026 season [1, 2].
Rahm’s participation follows a dispute with the DP World Tour over his association with LIV Golf, the rival golf league he joined in 2023 after leaving the PGA Tour [1, 2, 3]. Since joining LIV Golf, Rahm has been one of its highest-paid stars, earning an estimated US$350 million and finishing in the top 10 in 31 of his last 32 LIV Golf competitions [1, 2, 3]. Despite LIV Golf’s recent funding difficulties and some defections, Rahm remains committed to the circuit [1, 2, 3].
To maintain his status on the DP World Tour and compete in elite events such as the Ryder Cup, Rahm must compete in four DP World Tour tournaments during the season [1, 2, 3]. Earlier in 2026, the DP World Tour offered LIV players a chance to avoid fines by competing in two extra events, but Rahm negotiated to play only one additional tournament beyond the four required [1, 2, 3].
In early May 2026, Rahm and the DP World Tour reached an agreement involving conditional releases allowing him to play in LIV Golf events that conflict with some DP World Tour events during the season. This agreement includes payment of fines accrued since 2024 and participation in agreed DPWT tournaments outside the majors [1, 2]. The DP World Tour said, "The DP World Tour and Jon Rahm have come to an agreement on conditional releases to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the remainder of the 2026 season. This involves payment of all outstanding fines accrued from 2024 to date, along with participation in agreed DP World Tour tournaments (outside the majors) in the remainder of the 2026 season" [1].
There was speculation that Rahm’s play in the Scottish Open might affect his PGA Tour status. However, the PGA Tour has confirmed he remains ineligible for membership even if he wins the event [1, 2]. Rahm recently finished tied for second at the 2026 PGA Championship, indicating he continues to perform at a high level across tours [1, 2].
The Scottish Open winner receives 500 FedEx Cup points and a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, but Rahm’s participation is mainly focused on fulfilling DP World Tour requirements for the Ryder Cup qualification period running through September 2026 [1, 2]. Rahm’s play in the Scottish Open and other DPWT tournaments clears the way for him to be eligible to participate in the Ryder Cup in 2027 [1, 2, 3].
