Although Jon Rahm looks set to join LIV Golf in a statement deal, five major PGA Tour representatives are staying put as the merger deadline looms on December 31
Jason Day and Adrian Meronk will continue to play on the PGA Tour despite reports they could join Jon Rahm in LIV Golf.
Rahm is expected to join LIV in a deal worth £450million, and Day and Meronk were two of the names rumoured to be joining the reigning Masters champion. But Day will remain part of the PGA Tour, and Meronk sent a strong message on social media as he proved his commitment to the organisation.
On Wednesday, Meronk wrote on Instagram, “Excited for the next chapter,” along with a picture of a PGA Tour membership card. A moral revolt is still afoot among certain stars of the PGA Tour, and Day and Meronk have joined the cause, at least temporarily. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still in talks regarding a possible merger; they have until December 31, 2023, to come to a decision. Though Rahm appears to have moved before the deadline, Day and Meronk will not follow.
Several of the biggest names in golf have expressed their opposition to LIV and supported the PGA Tour, indicating that they have no intention of switching anytime soon. Prior to now, Jordan Spieth acknowledged that he hoped Rahm wouldn’t change sides. Among the well-known players who made the switch to LIV were Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka. The Masters champion is now expected to follow.
With reference to the Rahm rumors, Spieth stated, “We really hope that he’s continuing with us (PGA Tour).” “I am aware that he has spoken with a few guys. I am aware that he may or may not be considering some choices. I honestly don’t know, so I don’t want to offend him by assuming that he is making a decision even though he already knows he isn’t. You know, in a way, that’s beyond my control.”
Rory McIlroy, another player who has nailed his colors to the PGA mast, was recently replaced by Spieth on the PGA Tour Policy Board. McIlroy has even declared that if there was no other option, he would not play LIV Golf. “I would retire from golf if LIV Golf was the last golf course on Earth. I feel that way about it,” McIlroy remarked.
As the merger deadline approaches its final month, there is also no chance that golfing icon Tiger Woods will betray the PGA Tour and contribute to the memo that was released on Friday. The memo stated, “The player directors have been doing everything we can to ensure the PGA Tour is best positioned to thrive for decades to come since Tiger joined the policy board on August 1st.”
“We are encouraged by the progress we have made on several fronts and have learned a lot… We have decided that prior to voting on any proposal that would establish a for-profit organization or consider outside investment, we will attempt to come to an agreement unanimously.” The players “want to get this right,” and they’re open to feedback going forward, the memo emphasized. Though it was difficult to decline Rahm’s unprecedented offer to join LIV, the PGA Tour is still a highly esteemed organization.
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