In an exclusive interview, Guy Kinnings, the CEO of the European Tour Group, discussed the challenging situation involving Ryder Cup players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Their appeals against significant fines for joining the LIV circuit may not be resolved before the upcoming Ryder Cup next September. Kinnings expressed hope that a deal to unify elite golf could be reached in time, potentially lifting the sanctions against both players.
Rahm and Hatton have faced fines for competing in the LIV series without proper releases from the DP World Tour. As they navigate the appeal process to retain their eligibility for the Ryder Cup, both players continue to participate in European events.
With Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald potentially at risk of losing key players if their appeals do not succeed—an outcome that seems likely, given previous trends—Kinnings suggested that postponing the final decision on the appeals until after the U.S. hosts the Europeans at Bethpage might be a viable strategy. “The timing of the legal processes is up to the lawyers involved,” Kinnings noted. “There’s no specific timeline, so we’ll have to see how long the appeal process takes. In the meantime, we’re focused on ongoing discussions about the future of the sport, which may impact that process.”
Kinnings underscored the importance of adhering to the Tour’s regulations and welcomed players like Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm at various tournaments. “Seeing Tyrrell at the British Masters was fantastic, and it’s wonderful to have Jon competing in the Spanish Open. It really enhances the tournament experience,” he remarked. “Ultimately, I hope for a resolution—whether through the appeal or fruitful discussions about the future of our game—that allows us to move forward with the best tournaments and schedules possible.”
Earlier this month, Kinnings engaged in talks with representatives from the PGA Tour, the Strategic Sports Group, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in New York. The objective is to create a unified plan for the sport, which Kinnings highlighted as urgent. “It’s essential that we act quickly. Everyone acknowledges the need for progress, and we have a unique opportunity to unite the game and expand its global reach, but we need to expedite this process,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, at the PGA Championship at Wentworth, Matthew Baldwin made a splash after a 70-minute weather delay, taking the lead at 13 under par. Rory McIlroy follows closely behind, tied for fourth place after a round of 68. Reflecting on his journey, Baldwin recalled a moment from two years ago when he worked as an Amazon delivery driver. “I remember pulling up to a block of flats, jumping out of the van, and suddenly realizing I’d forgotten to set the handbrake,” Baldwin shared with a laugh. “I ran to stop it, and it just barely missed a blue Fiesta. The woman I was delivering to said she couldn’t get her phone out in time to film the whole thing!”
