22 February 2024 , 19:09
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Both Jon Rahm and the Mexico Open have felt the effects of the fractured relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf on the back of his mega-money move.
Rahm became arguably LIV's biggest coup yet last December, after signing a record-breaking deal worth a reported £450 million. Making the Saudi switch came at a cost for the Masters champion though, after he followed in the footsteps of Phil Mickelson and co in being banned from the PGA Tour.
The Spanish star is no doubt a big loss for the American-based circuit, having announced himself as one of the best players on the planet during his time on Tour.
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In his eight years with the PGA Tour, Rahm won 11 times including two major titles at the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters. One of his favourite wins came in the year in between the green jacket winner's major triumphs, after winning the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta in 2022.
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Speaking about his admiration for the event when returning as defending champion last April, Rahm said: "This in itself, even though there's competition, you're in such a relaxing spot, great resort, great amenities, great food, great people, great weather. There's a lot worse places to be than this one. I'm glad to be back and I'm glad to be in good form this year."
Days later the European star came within three shots of defending his title, after finishing in second behind 2023 champion, Tony Finau. The PGA Tour is back in Mexico this week, but it is of course doing so without the addition of its most distinguished winner in Rahm on the back of his recent ban.
Jon Rahm won the Mexico Open in 2022 (Getty Images)The Spaniard is not the only loss to the tournament too, which will go ahead without its two biggest home players in Mexican duo Carlos Ortiz and Abraham Ancer. Both had announced themselves as two of the world's top players during their spell with the PGA Tour, but opted to make the move to LIV after receiving offers from Greg Norman and co.
This has however ensured they are unable to compete in their home open this week amid their ongoing suspensions. The duo did get the chance to play on home soil earlier this month though, after LIV returned to Mayakoba for the second-time in the 2024 season-opener.
The event in North America was also a big one for Rahm, who made his debut on the breakaway circuit following his mega-money switch. And it was an impressive start for the Spaniard, who finished in a tie for third in the individual standings, whilst winning the time title with Legion XIII.