Spain's Rahm and England's Hatton have switched to play on the Saudi-funded LIV circuit since superbly teaming up to help Europe regain the trophy with a dramatic victory in Rome last autumn.
But while they have said they want to play in the September 2025 match at New York's Bethpage Black, Donald confirmed they “have to play their four” DP World Tour events this season to at least retain their eligibility.
Donald has welcomed Hatton's decision to play this week's British Masters - which marks the start of the 2025 Ryder Cup qualification process - but Rahm will not be at The Belfry in Warwickshire.
Hatton is competing after lodging an appeal against the sanctions imposed for playing LIV events without a release from the Wentworth-based circuit.
It is understood he has served the required suspensions, and payment of any fines is stayed until the outcome of his appeal.
“I want the biggest pool of players I can to choose from,” said Donald. “There are some rules and regulations that players, whether on LIV or the DP World Tour, have to satisfy and I'm glad Tyrrell is satisfying his. I know he's planning on playing a few more events over the next few months.”
Europe captain Donald spoke with Hatton and Rahm during a practice round at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in July
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of Rahm's seismic move to LIV last December, Rory McIlroy said the European tour “is going to have to rewrite the rules for Ryder Cup eligibility” because “we'd certainly miss and need Jon at Bethpage”.
Europe were thrashed 19-9 at Whistling Straits on their last visit to the US in 2021, and although a 16½-11½ victory in Rome avenged that defeat - with Rahm and Hatton going unbeaten from their four matches - 2025's Ryder Cup in New York promises to be another tough assignment.
However, Donald told BBC Sport on Tuesday that “there's not going to be a situation where we're singling out one person to change the rule”.
He added: “It's quite clear with the policy that you either pay the fines or you can appeal them, and within that appeal time you can still play some DP World Tour events, so Jon absolutely knows what is required.
“He wants to play a few events and be eligible. I hope he does either pay the fines, or appeals and becomes eligible for my team because I would dearly love to have him be a part of that.”
Rahm has two LIV events left to play this year, in Chicago from 13-15 September and Dallas a week later.
When announcing his move to LIV in December, Rahm spoke about wanting to keep his DP World Tour membership and how “important the Spanish Open is” to him.
He has won the event a record three times and this year's is being held from 26-29 September in Madrid, with the Andalucia Masters also taking place in his home country in October.
The European qualification process has been altered for this edition of the Ryder Cup with just one points list. The top six will qualify for the 12-strong team with Donald again having six wildcard selections.
“We had to adjust for the changing landscape,” said Donald, referring to the fact that the top 10 eligible DP World Tour players at the end of the season will be awarded PGA Tour cards. “A lot of the strongest players will play predominantly in the US, but we wanted to make sure that people were still supporting the DP World Tour so we’ve boosted a little bit the points for the guys who are playing predominantly on that tour. It's a points system that’s going to give the six strongest players, and then we have the six picks for flexibility to round out the team.”
Rahm's Ryder Cup Status: A Race Against Time
Jon Rahm's decision to join LIV Golf has created a significant obstacle for his participation in the 2025 Ryder Cup. While he remains a member of the DP World Tour, to stay eligible, he must play four events on the Tour this year, something he hasn't yet achieved. With only a few months remaining, time is running out.
Despite this, captain Luke Donald has expressed his desire for Rahm to be on the team. “He knows what to do,” Donald said, implying that Rahm needs to fulfill his DP World Tour obligations.
LIV Golf: A Major Hurdle
The LIV Golf league has caused significant disruption in the golf world. Players who have joined the Saudi-backed circuit have faced sanctions from the DP World Tour, making it difficult to maintain their membership and thus their Ryder Cup eligibility.
For Rahm, this means playing the necessary four DP World Tour events or paying hefty fines and serving suspensions. The choice is in his hands, but his participation in the 2025 Ryder Cup is contingent on his decision.
The Ryder Cup: A Global Spectacle
The Ryder Cup is one of the most significant events in the golfing world, with national pride and fierce competition at the heart of the competition. The event brings together the best players from Europe and the United States in a tense matchplay format. Every match is a battle, and every player carries the hopes and dreams of their team and their nation.
With the next Ryder Cup taking place at Bethpage Black in New York, the pressure will be on both teams to perform at their best. The presence or absence of Jon Rahm could be a defining factor in the outcome of this prestigious event.
Will Rahm be on the Team? The Decision is His
The future of Jon Rahm's Ryder Cup participation hangs in the balance. His decision to join LIV Golf has complicated matters, but his potential contribution to the European team is undeniable. Will he take the steps necessary to be eligible? Only time will tell, but the stakes are high, and the world of golf is watching.
The Future of Golf: A Complex Landscape
The emergence of LIV Golf has created a complex landscape in the world of professional golf. With players switching allegiances and tensions running high, the future of the game is uncertain. The Ryder Cup, however, remains a cherished tradition, a testament to the enduring power of sport and the spirit of competition.
As the dust settles, the golfing world awaits the decisions of key players like Jon Rahm. The implications for the Ryder Cup, for the DP World Tour, and for the future of the sport are far-reaching. What unfolds in the coming months could shape the landscape of golf for years to come.
