What do we expect from Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods at Masters dinner?

Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm’s impending dinner at the Champions’ Dinner in Augusta is set to be anything but a casual affair. The atmosphere may be tense, with Rahm’s controversial move to LIV Golf causing a noticeable rift between the two golfing giants.

Rahm’s decision to join the Saudi-backed breakaway league sent shockwaves through the golfing world, especially given his status as the 2023 Masters champion. His reported £333 million deal marked a significant departure from the traditional merit-based structure of golf, sparking debates about the future of the sport.

As Rahm prepares to defend his title at Augusta, all eyes are on him, not only to showcase his golfing prowess but also to navigate the delicate dynamics of the Champions’ Dinner. With Woods in attendance, Rahm’s Basque-inspired tapas and pintxos menu may present an awkward situation, given the reported lack of communication between the two since Rahm’s move to LIV.

Despite attempts to reach out to Woods and others affected by his decision, Rahm has faced a chilly reception, particularly from Woods himself. While fellow golfer Rory McIlroy has publicly and privately expressed support for Rahm, Woods has remained noticeably silent.

Rahm’s decision to join LIV was not taken lightly, with financial considerations playing a significant role. The promise of increased compensation and more time to play the sport he loves was too enticing to pass up, despite the controversy surrounding the breakaway league.

However, Woods has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf, turning down a reported £1 billion offer to join the league himself. In his view, those who have joined LIV have turned their backs on the traditional foundations of the sport that propelled them to success.

With tensions running high and differing views on the future of golf, Rahm’s dinner with Woods at Augusta promises to be an intriguing affair. Whether Rahm’s culinary offerings can bridge the gap between them remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the divide between tradition and innovation in golf shows no signs of closing anytime soon.