Jon Rahm breaks silence after quitting Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's league
Jon Rahm has admitted he is unable to offer the level of commitment required to compete in Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods' soon-to-be-launched golf league, TGL.
Rahm's decision to quit the league was announced on Thursday after speculation grew over his future when being removed from the circuit's website. The Masters champion took to Twitter to explain his decision, admitting he felt 'sad' to not be participating in the league's inaugural season.
The Spanish star wrote: "I am sad to confirm that I will not be participating in the first TGL season. While I still think it’s a great opportunity, right now it would require a level of commitment that I can’t offer. Best of luck to everyone involved and may the best team win!"
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Rahm's comments came just an hour after his decision to walk away was confirmed by a TGL spokesperson. A statement from the league obtained by Mirror Sport read: "Jon is one of the most talented players in the game and we will miss him during the inaugural TGL season. We understand that players have to balance a lot of different facets of their professional and personal lives and respect Jon’s choice and wish him well. TGL will name a new player to fill the 24-player roster soon."
Rahm was one of the very first names to be added to the innovative league's roster after being announced last November. Since then a whole host of PGA Tour stars have been confirmed, including Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa, with founders Woods and McIlroy also competing. TGL's roster had been completed last month, with Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Kevin Kisner, Min Woo Lee and Lucas Glover all added.
With its launch now just two months away, Woods and McIlroy have been left needing to add a further player to the league, following the departure of when of one of their biggest names. As things stand a number of top PGA Tour stars are yet to commit to TGL, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as well Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth all available.
Jon Rahm opted to pull out of the league led by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods (Getty Images)Just days before Rahm's decision to quit, the league officially rolled out its format and rules for its maiden campaign which kicks off on June 9. The 24 players will be split across six different teams, and will compete over a 15-week season in head-to-head 'Modern Match Play' clashes.
The event will take place away from the golf course, with all matches being played under one roof at the custom-built SoFi Center at Palm Beach Gardens. Players will compete in front of a state-of-the-art golf simulator, whilst teeing off grass tee boxes, as well as fairways, rough and sand bunkers.
When they find themselves within 50 yards of the hole, they will then turn their attentions to the in-house green zone, which will be used for both chipping and putting in front of a crowd of 1,600 people. TGL confirmed that a replacement for Rahm would be announced 'soon'.
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