Masters champion Jon Rahm on Augusta title defence and LIV moving to 72 holes

Masters champion Jon Rahm has emerged as a vocal advocate for a change in the format of the LIV Golf League, calling for the tournament to adopt a 72-hole structure. Rahm, who recently made a lucrative switch to the breakaway tour, believes that such a move could mark a turning point in the ongoing debate over the future of men’s professional golf.

Ahead of his title defense at Augusta this week, the 29-year-old Spaniard expressed his satisfaction with his performance at the recent LIV event in Miami, where he finished joint fourth and led his Legion XIII team to victory in the team event. With the Masters bringing together all of the world’s top players at the same venue for the first time this year, Rahm’s comments highlight the ongoing division within the men’s game as the PGA Tour explores potential ties with LIV’s Saudi Arabian backers.

Despite signing a contract reportedly worth £450 million, Rahm remains critical of LIV’s current 54-hole duration and believes that a shift to 72 holes could contribute to greater unity within the sport, potentially leading to the formation of a world tour. Reflecting on his decision to join LIV, Rahm acknowledges the impact it has had on the golfing landscape, recognizing himself as a pivotal figure in the process.

Rahm’s move to LIV was influenced by the announcement of a “framework agreement” between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the PGA and DP World Tours in June 2023. Feeling blindsided by the decision, Rahm, like many other leading players, expressed his dissatisfaction with the tour’s leadership. However, he sees his transition to LIV as a response to the changing landscape of professional golf, enabled by the PGA Tour’s newfound openness to collaboration with external entities.

As speculation swirls around the presence of PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the Masters, Rahm remains focused on defending his title. Reflecting on his victory at Augusta last year, Rahm recalls a rocky start but ultimately triumphed after navigating through challenging conditions. He believes that his form leading up to this year’s tournament is even better than before, dismissing concerns about the intensity of competition in the LIV Golf League.

As he prepares to host a Basque-themed champions dinner, Rahm embraces the privileges that come with being a Masters champion, including access to the exclusive champions locker room. With the prospect of becoming the first player to successfully defend his title since Tiger Woods 22 years ago, Rahm’s continued success on the LIV tour could have far-reaching implications for the future of professional golf.