26 December 2023 , 21:35
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LIV Golf captain Joaquin Niemann is excited about Jon Rahm's decision to join the Saudi-backed league, despite the fact he will make the competition much harder.
Rahm became the highest-paid player in LIV Golf when he signed a record £450 million contract earlier this month, as he made the controversial switch from the PGA Tour. Rahm continues to insist that he does not play golf for money, but did admit that the huge offer played a part in his decision to join LIV.
The Masters Champion grew up playing golf in Spain, where team play is very common. Niemann, the current Torque GC captain, believes this will make Rahm perfectly suited for LIV and he's excited to face him in the future.
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"I think Jon (Rahm) is going to bring a lot to the team event," Niemann said on LIV's "Fairway to Heaven" podcast. "I think, obviously we've seen how good he plays in Ryder Cups and how good he is as a team player. Almost every other country, except for the US, we are born playing team events for our countries.
"Jon is one of those who grew up playing from Spain and you grew up playing for teammates and leading a team. I think we understand better how important the team aspect is. And we didn't have this opportunity in professional golf."
Niemann then spoke about how LIV will grow with Rahm now involved, making it a smart investment despite handing out the record contract. "So, I think it’s going to be huge to have Jon as a captain, as a team leader and how he would do with his teammates," Neimann added. "So, it would be also nice to play against him. I think he's one of the best players."
Rahm agreed to join LIV Golf in December for a record fee (AP) Rahm received criticism for joining LIV, after previously being against the Saudi-league until they gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. "Would my lifestyle change if I got $400m? It would not change one bit," Rahm said after LIV was launched. "Truth be told, I could retire now with what I have made and live a very happy life and not play golf again.
"I play for the love of the game, and I want to play against the best in the world. I’ve always been interested in history and legacy, and right now the PGA Tour has that." But after signing the record contract with LIV, Rahm stated he was excited to be joining the 'growing league' after turning his back on the PGA Tour.
"I am proud to join @livgolf_league and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport," Rahm wrote on X after the decision was announced. "I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future."