Jon Rahm’s PGA Tour stance, Tiger Woods text message, mega LIV Golf deal

Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf in December was unexpected, delivering a significant blow to the PGA Tour. This move was particularly shocking given Rahm’s previous critical remarks about the breakaway tour. He had often praised the PGA’s history and legacy, criticized LIV Golf’s 54-hole format, and expressed disinterest in the massive contracts offered by LIV, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). However, in a surprising twist, the 29-year-old signed with LIV eight months ago, reportedly becoming the highest-paid player in golf history

Record-Breaking Deal

Rahm’s switch last year drew considerable attention, not only because of his prior comments but also due to the staggering sum involved. Reports indicate that the 2023 Masters champion secured a $500 million (£386m) contract, the largest in LIV Golf history. This deal surpasses the £160 million contract given to Phil Mickelson in 2022. Rahm’s contract, which extends until 2028, includes shares in the tour, access to a Saudi Royal Family private jet, and a team of 10 personal assistants for him and his family.

Reactions from Fellow Golfers

Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf led him to reach out to golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, with whom he had previously aligned himself in support of the PGA Tour. While McIlroy has publicly and privately supported Rahm’s choice, Woods appears to have distanced himself. Rahm told ESPN in February, “I texted him [Tiger] and the people that try to reach out… this is a personal decision. I have nothing against anybody.” Despite the lack of response from Woods, Rahm noted, “Rory has been supportive publicly of my decision, and he was privately as well.”

Performance Since the Move

Since his move to LIV Golf, Rahm’s performance has been underwhelming. Expectations were high that he would secure multiple titles early in the year, but the two-time major champion has yet to win on the tour. Ahead of the 10th competition of the season in Andalucia, Spain, Rahm emphasized that the 54-hole format, which he previously criticized, is not impacting his performance. He has suggested that the tour consider transitioning to 72 holes. Rahm rated his efforts as “six out of ten,” citing the need for more consistency. “There’s been weeks where I feel like I scored a lot better than I felt,” he told reporters. “And there’s been a couple weeks where it could have been better. [I] haven’t won yet, so that would deduct quite a bit from [my rating for the season]. I would say maybe six out of 10 if I had to say. But the year is not over. [There is] still a lot to play for.”

Potential Return to the PGA Tour

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Rahm has not ruled out a return to the PGA Tour. Speaking ahead of the Masters in April, he expressed his continued affection for the PGA Tour, saying, “I hope I can compete there again.” He justified his departure by prioritizing his family’s interests: “At the end of the day, I did what I thought was best for me and my family.” He also admitted to missing certain PGA venues, adding, “It’s no secret that there’s some venues that I miss being at. Not being at Palm Springs, Torrey [Pines], Phoenix, and LA wasn’t the easiest – those are venues that I absolutely love. I still love the PGA Tour and I still hope at some point I can compete there again.”

Rahm’s move to LIV Golf, while surprising, highlights the ongoing tensions and shifting dynamics within professional golf, with the potential for further developments as the PGA and LIV continue to navigate their evolving relationship.