2023 Masters Champion Jon Rahm Shocks Golf World With Move to LIV Golf
Another twist in the PGA-LIV golf saga came Thursday when Masters champion Jon Rahm agreed to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf league. The deal is reportedly for three years and more than $300 million for the current No. 3 player in the World Golf Rankings. Rahm had previously been adamant about sticking with the PGA Tour, so what changed?
Rahm Goes Rogue: The announcement comes during a window of secrecy between both leagues. The PGA and LIV previously announced an agreement, and they’re currently drawing the framework of a contract to co-exist as financial partners. How that all looks remains a mystery. The Spanish golf star has earned his future major bids and exemptions by winning the 2023 Masters. He can move to LIV and still be assured a spot competing in golf’s biggest events.
Quote Review: Rahm was one of the most vocal PGA Tour players who stood against LIV over the past two years. He once said: “Shot gun three days is not a golf tournament…Would my lifestyle change if I got $400 million? Not one bit.” Rahm was also expected to be part of the TGL — the league spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy — until he dropped out in November.
Rahm’s new deal also includes an ownership stake in a new LIV team. The Saudi PIF (public investment fund) continues to shift the sport’s overall ecosystem by purchasing some of the biggest names in soccer and golf. Rahm joins a LIV roster of captains that includes Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Bubba Watson, and Hendrik Stenson.
*The PGA and LIV have a tentative deadline of Dec. 31 to work out the details of their new deal.
Read More
CNBC: PGA Tour Star Jon Rahm Gearing Up to Join Saudi-Backed LIV Golf
Golfweek: Everything Jon Rahm Has Said About LIV Golf & the PGA Tour Over the Last 2 Years
USA Today: Jon Rahm’s Jump to LIV Makes Him a Hypocrite and a Sellout
Photo: Andrew Redington / Getty Images
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