Phil Mickelson had previously told Jon Rahm he has no reason to join LIV Golf, but will no doubt be over the moon to see the Spaniard make the move to the breakaway league
Phil Mickelson has welcomed Jon Rahm to LIV Golf despite having previously told the Masters champion that he had ‘no reason’ to join the Saudi-backed series.
Following the announcement earlier this week of a record-breaking contract worth an estimated £450 million, Rahm became the most well-known player to join the LIV Golf setup. By doing this, he continues the legacy of several other legends, such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Mickelson.
Following his Thursday switch to Saudi Arabia, Rahm has received many congratulations from his new LIV teammates; good friend Mickelson is the most recent to do so after liking X.
The six-time major champion tweeted, “You want good things to happen to good people in life.” I’m glad for Jon Rahm. Many were surprised to learn that Rahm was leaving the PGA Tour, even though in recent weeks there had been many rumors connecting the Spaniard to the rebel league.
The Green Jacket winner has previously denied that he would ever sign with the LIV setup. He most recently admitted to laughing when his name was mentioned in relation to the Saudi switch on the Golf Sin Etiquetas podcast. He also disclosed that Mickelson had advised him to stick with the PGA Tour.
Rahm said in August, “I laugh when people rumor me with LIV Golf.” “I was never fond of the structure. And during major practice rounds, I always have a great time with Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson. Both Phil [Mickelson] and I honor our respective decisions.
“I have no motivation to go play for LIV, as Michaelson has repeatedly stated to me,” The former PGA champion later played down a report made by Fire Pit Collective’s Alan Shipnuck in the weeks preceding Rahm’s departure, according to which Mickelson had already been verifying that a deal was done.
When asked if Mickelson had had any influence on Rahm’s decision to change his mind, Rahm maintained that he had not spoken with his close friend. “[Mickelson] had absolutely no involvement. Soon after we finish this Q&A, all those players on LIV will find out. Not a single role.
“I’ve always relied on him for advice, but I haven’t spoken to him directly. Although I couldn’t have done it, I know he wishes I could have spoken with him.” Following his move to Saudi Arabia, Rahm’s PGA Tour and DP World Tour career prospects are still unknown.
Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and the PGA Tour are currently negotiating. Rahm hopes to play on all three tours once a deal is ultimately finalized. He declared, “I do want to keep my DP World Tour and PGA Tour status.”
“I’m not going to give that up. With the freedom LIV provides, hopefully, I’ll be able to play both of those tours. If my schedule permits, there are specific PGA Tour events that I would like to participate in. If it’s feasible, I would like to see that through.
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