LIV Stunner: Rahm Goes Rogue

12/08/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

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.

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