In a surprising turn of events, golf fans worldwide are bracing for a seismic shift in the professional golf landscape as Jon Rahm, the world No. 3 and recent Masters champion, is expected to sign with LIV Golf. Multiple reports suggest that Rahm’s official announcement will be made on Thursday, marking a significant defection to the Saudi-backed league.
Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf comes just weeks after his withdrawal from the TGL, a PGA Tour-backed tech-infused golf league, citing scheduling issues. The move positions Rahm as the biggest star in his prime to align with the fledgling league, signaling a potential resurgence of the professional golf civil war that has simmered beneath the surface.
The 29-year-old Spaniard had a stellar year, winning four tournaments, including a memorable triumph at the Masters. Rahm also played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, scoring three points in four matches. His decision to join LIV Golf raises questions about its impact on his future Ryder Cup status, as most European players who join LIV forfeit their DP World Tour membership, rendering them ineligible for the biennial event.
Sources reveal that Rahm’s camp sought assurance from the DP World Tour regarding the implications of his move. Whether the European circuit gave its blessing remains unknown, adding an air of uncertainty to Rahm’s future in international team competitions.
Despite previous assurances that he wasn’t interested in joining LIV Golf, Rahm’s decision highlights the dynamic nature of the golf landscape. His previous statements, including dismissing rumors on a podcast and emphasizing his loyalty to the PGA Tour, now seem at odds with his imminent move.
The golf world is left speculating on the motivations behind Rahm’s decision. While financial considerations have often been at the forefront of discussions surrounding the Saudi-backed league, Rahm had previously emphasized that his love for the game and the pursuit of historical legacy were his primary driving forces.
The broader context of Rahm’s move adds further intrigue to the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The surprise framework agreement in June, which ended antitrust litigation between the two factions, opened up both entities to scrutiny from the United States government. Recent stallings in negotiations and the high-profile poaching of Rahm could potentially reignite tensions between the two circuits.
As golf enthusiasts await Jon Rahm’s official announcement and the unfolding developments in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf negotiations, the 2024 season promises to be a defining moment for the sport. LIV Golf’s 14-event schedule, commencing in February, will likely be closely watched as the sport navigates through this period of significant change and uncertainty.
(Source: Joel Beall | Golf Digest | NBC Sports)
