“I’m being paid more to play the same sport” Jon Rahm explains why he ditched PGA Tour for LIV Golf in a new interview
On Sunday, February 25, Jon Rahm once again stunned the golf world with fresh remarks regarding his transfer to LIV Golf. Rahm admitted that a major factor in his choice was the money that was presented to him. He declared, “I’m getting paid more to play the same sport.” Journalist Marty Smith conducted an interview with the Spaniard for ESPN’s Sports Center program. In the first segment of the interview, which was released on Sunday, Jon Rahm talks about matters pertaining to his transfer to LIV Golf and his prospects for the PGA Tour.
Jon Rahm did not hide the role money played in his decision to move to LIV Golf. This was part of what he had to say about it (via ESPN):
“To put it simply, we didn’t have access to or opportunity to play live golf when we were growing up. I thought the PGA Tour was the best in golf. There’s no point in skipping over this point because it’s a new and significant change.
“A significant adjustment to the golfers’ compensation structure. If I said it didn’t play a significant role, I would be lying. To put it briefly, I have more time and get paid more to play the same sport. That sounds fantastic to me, but I don’t know about most other people.”
Jon Rahm officially announced in December 2023 that he had signed to play with LIV Golf for three seasons. The amount received by the Spaniard has not been officially disclosed but is estimated to be around $600 million.
What else did Jon Rahm talk about with Sports Center?
Jon Rahm was asked by Marty Smith to discuss other subjects, like what other players had told him about their choice.
The Spaniard confirmed that he had spoken with both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in particular.
Rory McIlroy was just as encouraging in his private correspondence as he has been in his public declarations, as Rahm told ESPN’s Sports Center. Regarding Tiger Woods, the Spaniard stated that he had texted the 15-time major champion, but he did not say whether he had heard back.
Rahm also expressed interest in competing in PGA Tour and DP World Tour events going forward, provided he is permitted to do so. He vowed, “I’m not giving up.” The Spaniard also mentioned how much his victory at The Masters in 2023 eased his decision. According to what he said to Sports Center, he might not have signed with LIV Golf if he hadn’t yet won at Augusta National. Rahm debuted at the 2024 LIV Golf Mayakoba, both on his own and with Legion XIII, his team. While the team won the tournament, he placed third there. They then participated in the LIV Golf Las Vegas, where Rahm placed eighth and Legion XIII third.
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