Golf pundit Brandel Chamblee has spoken out following Jon Rahm’s controversial move to LIV Golf that sees him become one of the world’s highest paid athletes of all time
Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf has been questioned by former golfer-turned-pundit Brandel Chamblee, who hit out at the Spaniard for back-tracking on his old comments.
Rahm signed a big contract to play in LIV Golf, becoming the most recent player to do so after a successful PGA Tour career. After turning pro in 2016, the 29-year-old won the U.S. Open in 2021 and the Masters Tournament in 2023.
His transfer to LIV, in the midst of an ongoing merger agreement between the competing organizations, has elicited a variety of responses, including harsh criticism from players and pundits alike. Brandel Chamblee, a former member of the PGA Tour, is the most recent to criticize his choice.
Chamblee responded to the news by criticizing Rahm’s choice in an interview with Golf Central. “I believe that a significant portion of the professional game is going through something akin to Stockholm Syndrome because of their involvement with LIV,” Chamblee remarked.
“You consider Jon Rahm’s previous statements and the striking discrepancy between what he stated and what he repeatedly hinted at,” he continued. “He found this to be more convenient to do. It’s also obvious that he gave up on his career.
Chamblee’s remarks might be a reference to Rahm’s earlier declarations, in which he acknowledged that “my heart is with the PGA Tour.” At the 2022 U.S. Open, the 29-year-old further acknowledged, “I’ve never really played the game of golf for monetary reasons.”
Rahm, who signed a contract worth approximately £450 million, unexpectedly conceded that financial considerations played a role in his decision to join LIV. He stated at the press conference that followed the announcement, “The money is great, it’s wonderful, but what I’ve said before is true.”
“I don’t play golf for financial gain. I play golf because I enjoy the game and the game itself, but I also play it because I have a responsibility to my family as a husband, father, and family man to provide them with the best opportunities and resources available.
However, my objective is to improve golf in any way I can in order to grow the game. Although I have ambition, I don’t have greed. I understand that I can’t have everything, so I’ll have to give up some things, but for now, that seems like one I can live without.”
Rejecting Rahm’s assertions that he wants to expand golf, Chamblee thinks the PGA Tour won’t face too many long-term difficulties as a result of his departure.
“Will Jon Rahm’s involvement increase LIV’s viewership? most likely will, and to the extent that it does, that will cause some minor discomfort. But it’s not devastating, in my opinion,” he said.
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