Is Jon Rahm sacrificing his career potential for family, or is he redefining success in golf?

After playing incredibly on the LIV Golf and winning the individual championship, Jon Rahm moved back to the DP World for the rest of his season. At first, Rahm’s decision to play at the breakaway circuit became a hindrance as he was sanctioned $1 million in fines and without paying it he couldn’t continue on the DP World Tour. But the Spaniard appealed all those sanctions and his plan to play on the European circuit worked.

Including his start at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Rahm needed to make three more starts to keep his DP World Tour card and become eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. He teed up at the Open de Espana, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and the Andalucia Masters. With his last game at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Rahm completed the four-game tally to keep his card, even if it hinders him from making his team.

That was probably one reason why he decided to not tee up at the $9 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. After these four events, Rahm ranked 10th on the Ryder Cup European Team rankings and a few steps closer to being automatically qualified for the Ryder Cup. If he could’ve played two more events, Rahm would’ve ranked better and qualified without relying on the captain’s pick.