The news of Jon Rahm’s switch to the LIV Golf League has sent shockwaves through the golfing world. The Masters champion, who had previously been critical of the league, has now signed a deal that is reportedly worth up to £450m. This makes him the highest-ranked player to join the league, adding even more star power to an already impressive roster.
After an exceptional 2023 season, Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf comes as no surprise. The Spaniard had a remarkable year on the PGA Tour, claiming victory four times, including his second major title at The Masters. His performances were not limited to individual success, as he also played a crucial role in Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup campaign.
Speculation surrounding Rahm’s future started to swirl last month when he withdrew from the inaugural TGL season, a decision that raised eyebrows considering the league’s high-profile endorsements from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. Rahm cited a “level of commitment” as the reason behind his withdrawal, magnifying rumors that he may be considering a move to LIV Golf.
The speculation further intensified following Rahm’s impressive tied-fifth finish at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Spanish media outlets began reporting on the possibility of Rahm joining LIV Golf, although the player himself had remained silent regarding his future plans.
The absence of Rahm’s name from the list of participants for the PGA Tour’s American Express only fueled the rumors. Despite being the defending champion and a two-time winner of the event, the 29-year-old golfer opted out, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next move. Finally, Rahm put an end to all doubts by formally confirming his deal with LIV Golf.
With Rahm’s addition to the league, LIV Golf continues to solidify its position as a growing force in professional golf. The league has successfully attracted top talent from around the world, as players recognize the immense financial rewards and unique opportunities it offers. As Rahm takes his place among the elite golfers of LIV Golf, all eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to this new chapter in his career and the potential impact it may have on the sport as a whole.
He told Fox News: “Things have changed a lot in the game of golf over the past two years and I’ve seen the growth of LIV Golf and the innovation.
“That’s why I’m here today. This decision was made for many reasons and what I thought was best for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great deal.
“I’ve been very happy but there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very enticing. It was a great offer. The money is great, obviously it’s wonderful.
“What I said before is true: I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf.
“But, as a husband, as a father and as a family man I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible and that is where that comes in.
“I’m no stranger to hearing some negative things on social media or in media. It’s part of what it is, we’re public figures but you just learn to deal with it right? This certainly won’t define who I am or change who I am.”
Rahm accepts he has “taken a risk” in terms of participating in future Ryder Cups for Europe as he will need to remain a member of the DP World Tour to stay eligible for selection.
He added: “My position for the Ryder Cup remains the same. I’ve explained many times how meaningful it is to me and I hope I can be in future editions.
“That’s not up to me right now, but if it was up to me, I’ll be eligible to play so I surely hope I can keep up the good golf and give them a reason to have me on the team.
“It’s a big risk to take, but I’ve had it in consideration and again, I’m hopeful that I can be part of the team again.”
Rahm’s decision to leave is happening while there are ongoing discussions between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour about forming an alliance. They have set a deadline for reaching an agreement by December 31.
Rahm previously stated that he did not favor the LIV format and didn’t believe the financial gains from joining the Saudi-backed league would have any impact on his lifestyle.
Rahm said back then: “Shotgun [start] with three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple. I wanna play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years.
“Would my lifestyle change if I got $400m? It would not change one bit. Truth be told, I could retire now with what I have made and live a very happy life and not play golf again.
“I play for the love of the game, and I want to play against the best in the world. I’ve always been interested in history and legacy, and right now the PGA Tour has that.”
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