Rahm finally comes clean on main factor behind LIV Golf move and PGA Tour exit

26 February 2024 , 07:00

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Rahm finally comes clean on main factor behind LIV Golf move and PGA Tour exit

Jon Rahm has said there is 'no point' denying his move to LIV Golf was financially motivated.

The Spaniard, who won the 2023 Masters, made a shock switch to LIV Golf in December after previously being a staunch PGA Tour loyalist. At the time, Rahm said 'the money is great' but insisted many other factors were behind his defection.

But after playing in two events, Mayakoba (Mexico) and Las Vegas, in which he finished third and eighth respectively, Rahm has opened up further on his decision to join LIV Golf.

"I don’t want to skip through this point cause there’s no point, there’s a big change in the way the golfers get compensated," Rahm said in a sit-down interview with ESPN. "I’d be lying if it wasn’t a big part of it. In a nutshell, I’m getting paid more to play the same sport and have more time. I don't know about most people but that sounds good to me."

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Exactly two years ago, Rahm declared his loyalty to the PGA Tour. It is because of his fierce stance that shockwaves were sent through the golfing world when he made the move.

He said: "I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour“I’m a PAC member, and I have a lot of belief in Jay Monahan and the product that they’re going to give us in the future. There has been a lot of talk and speculation about the Saudi League. It’s just not something I believe is the best for me and my future in golf, and I think the best legacy I can accomplish will be with the PGA Tour."

Rahm was put on the spot as to why he U-turned on those comments. He said: "From when I said that certain circumstances changed. The PGA Tour and PIF got to this agreement framework and to work together in the future.

Jon Rahm in action for LIV Golf (Getty Images)

"It opened my mind to being a little closed-minded towards this and maybe I should give myself a chance. As an athlete and an entertainer, I think I owe to myself to see the other side out."

Rahm, clearly aware of the impact he was making by joining LIV Golf, did confess he was nervous about how it might be received. He added: "I think my biggest concern was a little bit of negative media backlash. The way I see it, if you want to, let's say, improve your position, I think you’re free to go to job interviews.

"I have the right to do what I think is best for myself and my family. Period. I’ve said it before, as a father and as a husband I have a duty to set my family up as best as possible. Not that we weren’t, we're extremely privileged people, I’m aware of that, but it’s my duty."

Thomas Bristow