Jon Rahm has reminded DP World Tour bosses exactly what they have been missing during the Spaniard’s time away with LIV Golf, after impressing on his return at the Andalucia Masters.

At the halfway mark on his home soil, Rahm finds himself well in the mix, having carded a superb six-under-par 66 in round two to leave himself in a tie for sixth with 36 holes left to play. The former world No. 1’s showing included eight birdies – including five on the front nine – to bounce back from a slow, but steady, start on Thursday.

Having headed into the event as tournament favorite this week, Rahm’s move up the leaderboard on day two will fill him with confidence that he can chase down a first DP World Tour win in nearly two years, outside of the four major championships.

Having enjoyed a hot start on the front, Rahm then made three more birdies on the back nine, after making a bogey either side of the turn, with the latter coming at his final hole. Amid his impressive performance on Friday, Rahm’s focus is also on his off-course business this week, as well as his efforts on it.

The captain of LIV franchise Legion XIII is on the lookout to complete his four-man roster for the 2025 campaign, with one spot remaining following the relegation of his former teammate Kieran Vincent in September. Whilst the new LIV season is still five months away, Rahm has already got to work on finding a replacement.

Speaking ahead of this week’s tournament, he told Spanish outlet Golf Sin Etiquetas in his native tongue: “I still don’t have a player who is already signed but we have six or seven in mind.” Rahm also revealed that one name on his shortlist was in action alongside him in Andalucia this week.

Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news

Jon Rahm of Spain tees off on the 11th hole on day one of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters 2024

Jon Rahm is back in action on home soil

It is the latest chapter in what has proven to be a hectic few months for the LIV skipper. After making the move to the breakaway league late last year, Rahm put his future at the Ryder Cup in doubt, with European players required to compete in four DP World Tour events a year to remain eligible to compete in the matchplay event.

Heading into the fall, time was running out for Rahm. With his priorities lying firmly with the LIV setup this campaign, the 2023 Masters champion was still required to play three events as recently as last month to ensure he could represent Team Europe at Bethpage Black next year.

Fortunately for Rahm, entries at the Spanish Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship mean that his performance this week is the all-important fourth on his tally. The European is far from out of the dark yet though, as fines and a suspension from the DP World Tour still loom over him.

As per Tour rules, Rahm has been sanctioned every time he has competed in a ‘conflicted’ event on the LIV circuit, and it is expected he will need to settle these punishments before being able to play Ryder Cup golf. The Spaniard revealed last month however that he has no intention to pay what he owes.

I’m not a big fan of the fines. I think I’ve been outspoken about that,” he declared. “I don’t intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen.” Rahm has since appealed the punishment which has allowed him to return to the European circuit. It remains unknown whether the appeal will be heard before or after the Ryder Cup next September.