02 January 2024 , 18:54
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Jon Rahm's first event of 2024 could well be away from his new home, LIV Golf, with the Masters champion still eligible to compete on the DP World Tour.
Rahm became LIV's biggest coup yet last month, signing a deal worth a reported £450 million with Greg Norman and co. In doing so, the Spaniard followed in the footsteps of the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka in being suspended by the PGA Tour.
This means Rahm is unable to defend his title at the PGA Tour's season-opening Sentry Tournament which gets underway later this week.
READ MORE: Jon Rahm faces unexpected LIV Golf issue despite Greg Norman boast
Despite his PGA Tour ban, the Spaniard is however still able to compete on the DP World Tour. As things stand, the Wentworth-based circuit is unable to fully suspend players for defecting to the Saudi-backed league, but can issue fines and bans to members who compete in LIV events.
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A number of the breakaway league's names - including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia - have since opted to give up their Tour memberships due to the sanctions handed out. Rahm however still remains a DP World Tour player, and with LIV's campaign not beginning until February his season could well start on the Wentworth-based circuit.
The DP World Tour's season starts with a swing around the Middle East, with the opening event coming at next week's Dubai Invitational. Whilst the Entry List for this event has been submitted, Rahm could still theoretically enter the Dubai Desert Championship a week later alongside some of his Ryder Cup teammates.
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Jon Rahm joined LIV Golf last month (Getty Images)The event at Emirates Golf Club is one of the biggest on the DP World Tour calendar, and is one of five that makes up the circuit's Rolex Series. Prior to the release of the entry list later this week, a whole host of big names have already committed to competing in the event.
Defending, three-time champion Rory McIlroy headlines, and he will also be joined by European teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, as well as their Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Also in the field is Open champion Brian Harman.
A week later the Ras Al Khaimah Championship will take place at Al Hamra Golf Club, giving Rahm another opportunity to get himself ready for his maiden season on the LIV circuit. Speaking on the back of his Saudi switch last month, the two-time major winner admitted he would still like to play across all three of LIV, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with the framework agreement looming.
"I do want to maintain my PGA Tour and DP World Tour status," he said in December. "I will not give that up. Hopefully with the freedom LIV gives me I can play both those tours. There are certain PGA Tour events I want to play as long as my schedule allows. If possible, I want to make that happen.”