Jon Rahm planning to ditch PGA Tour for LIV golf, sources claim
According to Wall Street Journal sources, Rahm's decision to depart from PGA Tour could be announced this week, as long as talks between parties don't fall apart. ESPN later confirmed that Rahem has agreed to switch to the breakaway tour. Per ESPN sources, the three-year deal encompasses Rahm becoming a part of LIV Golf's new team.
CNN reached out to both LIV Golf and Rahm for clarification on the reports.
Should Rahm make the leap to LIV, a Saudi Arabia-backed rival tour, it could spell trouble for both the PGA Tour and LIV. Both sides are working on finalizing a potential partnership framework by December 31. The planned partnership was announced in June.
Additional Insights:
Rahm's move to LIV Golf poses significant ramifications for both parties. Here are the latest updates and associated implications:
Recent Developments
- Financial Terms:
- Sources suggest Rahm has signed a deal worth up to £450 million to join LIV, making it one of sport's largest signings history.
- This strategic move by LIV signals an attempt to reshape the power dynamics in professional golf.
- Format Adjustments:
- LIV has announced a new format change for 2025, where survivors of each round will depend on four scores - an enhancement expected by Rahm, who has recently added Rory McIlroy's protege Tom McKibbin to his Legend X11 quartet.
- Ranking Effects:
- With LIV Golf not receiving OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) points, Rahm's world ranking drops to No. 4 but is projected to plummet outside the top 50 due to the absence of OWGR points.
- PGA Tour's Response:
- PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has proposed to unite top PGA and LIV players under a single tour, hoping to reestablish the pre-LIV Golf golfing era.
- Player Reactions:
- Fellow pro Shane Lowry has lambasted Rahm's decision, labeling it financially motivated, while Rahm himself expresses excitement about the LIV's global expansion and promotional initiatives.
Implications
- Impact on PGA Tour:
- Rahm's exit is set to be a massive blow to the PGA Tour, as it struggles to maintain its dominance in the face of LIV's financial offers and groundbreaking format.
- PGA's attempts to consolidate top players under a single tour may be challenged by LIV's financial inducements and competitive formats.
- LIV Golf's Legitimacy:
- LIV's recent moves, including Rahm's signing and the new format announcement, are seen as steps towards increasing credibility and competitiveness in golf.
- However, the exclusion from OWGR points remains a valid concern, impacting player progressions and limiting participation in major tournaments.
- Future of Professional Golf:
- The confrontation between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is poised to shape professional golf's future, potentially leading to a more cutthroat, competitive landscape.
- The success of LIV in attracting top players and innovation could reshape golf, but it raises concerns about the sport's integrity and fairness.
