There was genuine concern among European golf fans that Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton would not be eligible to play at the Ryder Cup in 2027.
In 2025, it became public knowledge that Hatton and Rahm, who both play on LIV Golf, had outstanding DP World Tour fines to pay due to their participation on LIV.
That rolled on into 2026 as well, as the duo’s Ryder Cup participation became increasingly uncertain.
However, both Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have now paid their outstanding fines, and have committed to playing in the minimum number of events required in order to be eligible to represent the European team at the Ryder Cup.
Hatton was the first to agree to the DP World Tour’s terms back in January, and Rahm followed suit in May.
Before they paid their fines, some golf analysts suggested that the European Ryder Cup committee would shift the goalposts to ensure that Rahm and Hatton would be eligible to play.
But now it’s official that both players will have an open pathway to play on Luke Donald‘s team.
Viktor Hovland comments on Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton playing at the Ryder Cup
The recent Travelers Championship winner addressed the media at Renaissance Club on Tuesday ahead of the start of the Genesis Scottish Open later this week.
Hovland responded when asked what it means to have Rahm and Hatton eligible to feature at the Ryder Cup in 2027.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s undeniable,“ he responded.
“They are a huge force for our team, and to have them back playing these events is awesome. We’ve missed them.
“You know, you would — unless something crazy happens, you would think they are going to be on that team next year.
“They add a lot, not just on the golf course but in the team room. They are great leaders, good personalities and just bring good vibes in the team room.
“Obviously we’ve been teammates now for the last three Ryder Cups, and yeah, I feel like that bond just kind of increases every single time.
“So they seem to be playing good golf, and so it should be an exciting week this week and hopefully we can all peak at the right time next year.“
Viktor Hovland responds to Jon Rahm’s comments about the Scottish Open
Rahm suggested that the next two-week stretch of golf is like having two major championships back-to-back.
And Hovland is in total agreement with the Spaniard.
“It really is,“ the Norwegian said.
“The Scottish Open has a lot of history. There are great champions here that have won this tournament.
“Yeah, we all really want to win this event, and the next week, as well.
“Obviously next week is the big one. But to reiterate Jon’s point, this does feel like two really big events back-to-back, and there’s also other excitement coming to play links golf.
“I think it’s one of the most fun ways to play golf.
“So any time you get to do that in a tournament, I think adds another element to it.“
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