Jon Rahm explains Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods' blunt reaction to LIV Golf move
Jon Rahm revealed Rory McIlroy was more receptive to his blockbuster decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf than 15-time major champion Tiger Woods.
Back in December, the divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf deepened as Rahm became the latest big name to defect in favour of the breakaway tour backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The two-time major champion agreed a deal worth up to £450million, representing the biggest coup for the circuit since its noisy arrival as a rival to the PGA Tour.
Rahm’s switch was accelerated by the earth-shattering announcement in June that LIV Golf was set to sensationally merge with the PGA Tour. PIF has received staunch opposition since it began entering sports, with many pointing to its human rights atrocities as a factor, but the merger was a stunning development that left many players disillusioned.
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Following Rahm's move, McIlroy - a staunch critic of LIV - softened his stance on golfers from the circuit playing in the Ryder Cup by calling on the DP World Tour to rewrite the eligibility rules. McIlroy had previously said LIV players should not represent Europe in the biennial competition against the United States, which will next be held at Bethpage Black in New York in 2025 - but he has both since admitted to wanting Rahm to feature.
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However, it seems Woods has turned a colder shoulder toward Rahm regarding the decision. The 48-year-old is ultimately the face of the PGA Tour and passionately defends the circuit where possible, which may be why he had ignored Rahm since his announcement.
“Well I mean, Rory has been supportive publicly of my decision and he was privately as well,” Rahm told ESPN, before admitting he hadn't heard back from Woods. “Tiger? No, not really [had a response]. I texted him and the people that tried to reach out throughout the process when I signed and I just let him know, ‘Hey, this is a personal decision, I have nothing against anybody’.”
Jon Rahm hopes to play in the Ryder Cup after leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf (Getty Images)Rahm won four times on the PGA Tour, including his second career major as he triumphed at the iconic Augusta National to win the Masters. The Spaniard, who conceded he had not yet spoken to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan since leaving for LIV, hopes the two rival tours can work together that would allow him to play events under either flag.
“I want to make one thing clear: if allowed, I will still support the PGA Tour and DP World Tour,” Rahm added. “I’m not giving up and there’s still some events I would love to absolutely play. No doubt about it, if my schedule allows. I would go and play.”
In his interview, Rahm also revealed the greater compensation provided by LIV Golf heavily influenced his decision - and it seems the PGA Tour is looking to address the issue. Earlier this month, the PGA Tour approved a £2.4billion investment deal with Strategic Sports Group in a new commercial fund.
SSG committed to an immediate cash injection of £1.2bn, and there is the potential for that investment to double over time. The deal with SSG is immense and will give almost 200 PGA Tour members the opportunity to hold equity in PGA Tour Enterprises as part of a reward for staying loyal and shunning LIV Golf.
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