Jon Rahm's "thankful" LIV Golf comments explain proposed £475m PGA Tour exit

25 November 2023 , 12:39

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LIV Golf chiefs are after Jon Rahm's services (Image: David Cannon/Getty Images)

Jon Rahm has spoke highly of LIV Golf in the past - as questions over his future on the PGA Tour continue to dominate the world of golf.

Rahm, 29, is thought to be in talks with LIV Golf chiefs about a potential move from the PGA Tour. Nothing has been agreed between the Masters champion and the Saudi-backed circuit yet, but rumours suggest he could pocket a £475million pay day.

Rory McIlroy and other notable stars have slammed LIV Golf in the past, while the likes of Ian Poulter and Phil Mickelson have joined the controversial tour. Yet Rahm, who won the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2021, has sat on the fence for much LIV Golf's existence.

Rahm has previously stated his desire to continue playing in the biggest tournaments - such as the majors - but can also understand why some of the sport's biggest names have joined LIV Golf. He even said PGA Tour players such be "thankful" of LIV Golf last year.

The PGA Tour, which has since entered its own partnership with the Saudis, persuaded some its most popular stars to snub LIV Golf by amending its schedule and increasing prize purses. "I think on this side we be thankful that LIV happened," said Rahm last December.

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"I don't know if those changes would have happened if LIV wasn't in the picture. So to an extent, yeah, we should be thankful... I don't think it (2022, when LIV Golf was launched) was a bad year for golf. Yes, there's certain division, but I think we're moving forward.

Rahm is refusing to compete in the TGL - the PGA Tour's new competition (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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"Like I said, on this side a lot of the changes we owe to the appearance of LIV. I don't think it's a bad thing. I just hope the negative, let's say, feel that this whole thing has, right, the animosity goes away... LIV can do their thing and the PGA Tour can do their thing."

Rahm has also previously admitted that he can "see the appeal that other people see towards LIV Golf". Yet he's criticised the 54-hole format. "Shotgun three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut," the Spaniard has admitted. "It's that simple."

It remains to be seen whether Rahm will take the plunge and join LIV Golf. According to Bunkered, he's been in talks with the circuit fronted by Greg Norman. A source has told golf outlet that Rahm is "closer to joining than he has been before".

Rahm has already pulled out of the TGL, the new competition formed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour. The two-time major winner's decision to withdraw from the TGL has only increased speculation over his future.

Tom Blow