Golf's Dramatic Twist: Jon Rahm Switches to LIV Tour
In a seismic shift that's stirring the golf world, Spanish superstar Jon Rahm has defected from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, the controversial Saudi Arabia-backed league. Rahm made his much-anticipated move official in an interview with Fox News and a quick Instagram post, triggering a wave of reactions and speculation. While the value of his three-year contract floats between $300 and $600 million, according to AP, it's rumored that Rahm could bank more than the entire PGA Tour prize money pool across all events.
When asked about his earnings during the Fox News interview, Rahm, clad in a black LIV-branded college jacket, simply grinned and said, "I'm happy." He elaborated that LIV Golf offered him enticing perks that weren't purely win-based. "I'm not playing golf for the money," he clarified. "I have a responsibility as a family man."
Rahm, who shone this year with a Masters win and triumphed in the 2021 U.S. Open, marks another top-notch player joining the contentious LIV series. Preexisting LIV converts include five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka, Louis Oosthuizen (a two-time Major champ), and Dustin Johnson (2021 Masters and U.S. Open champion), among others. Martin Kaymer, the German champ who won the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, is also part of the Saudi Arabia-funded league.
The golf world's biggies seemed to be in an alliance following the PGA, LIV, and European DP World Tour's joint announcement in June declaring they were set to collaborate. However, the details are still under wraps, with the exact fallout of Rahm's move on the ongoing negotiations unclear.
The LIV Tour Controversy
Saudi Arabia's investment in golf has been a subject of controversy and criticism from human rights organizations, leading to multiple protests. Some believe that tapping into the nation's wealth is merely a pretext for whitewashing its questionable human rights record.
Despite the oppositions and the bad press, top golfers have been attracted to the LIV Tour's generous offers, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape.
Additional Insights
The current negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are proceeding cautiously but with renewed vigor. U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention has sparked optimism, as he's reportedly assisting in bridging the gap between the two sides and their Saudi Arabia backers.
The agreement's main objectives focus on unifying the sport of golf, promoting market expansion, and fostering course partnerships and television networks. However, the potential merger faces regulatory scrutiny, with the Department of Justice looking into anti-competitive practices and the true aim behind Saudi Arabia's heavy investment.
As to the ongoing rankings issue, Jon Rahm has publicly criticized the OWGR for its lack of accuracy as the LIV Golf lacks ranking points. Promisingly, majors such as the U.S. Open and The Open Championship have started offering exemptions to LIV players, indicating a growing recognition of these top-level performers.
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, finalizing the deal is still uncertain and depends upon regulatory approval and further negotiations. The drama in the golf world's ranking system continues as we await the final decision.
Sources: and additional sources declassified for this exclusive article
